Royal AM Football Club is a South African football club that competes in the DStv Premiership. The club was formed in 2020 by Shauwn Mkhize, a thriving businesswoman and entrepreneur, and her son, Andile Mpisane, who became the youngest chairperson in PSL history. The team is based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, and is also known as “Thwihli Thwahla.”
Despite being a relatively new club, Royal AM has already made a name for itself in the South African football scene. The club has a rich history and has experienced both highs and lows since its formation. From ownership and management changes to team identity and notable players, there is much to explore in the history of Royal AM Football Club.
Key Takeaways
- Royal AM Football Club was formed in 2020 by Shauwn Mkhize and her son, Andile Mpisane, and competes in the DStv Premiership.
- The club has a rich history and has experienced both highs and lows since its formation, including ownership and management changes, team identity shifts, and notable players and coaches.
- Despite being a relatively new club, Royal AM has already made a name for itself in the South African football scene.
Club Formation and Early Years
Founding
Royal AM Football Club was founded in 2019 by Shauwn Mkhize and her son Andile Mpisane. The club was previously known as Real Kings before it was renamed to Royal AM. The team was established with the aim of competing in the top tier of South African football. The club purchased the Premiership license from Bloemfontein Celtic in August 2021.
Initial Achievements
In the early years of the club, Royal AM managed to establish themselves as a competitive team in the South African football scene. The team’s first major achievement was winning the GladAfrica Championship in the 2020/21 season. This victory secured their promotion to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) for the first time in their history.
Royal AM’s success in the GladAfrica Championship was largely attributed to the impressive performances of their players and the tactical expertise of their coach. The team’s attacking style of play and ability to score goals proved to be a challenge for their opponents throughout the season.
Overall, the founding and early years of Royal AM Football Club were marked by a strong desire to compete at the highest level of South African football. The team’s initial achievements were a testament to their hard work and dedication, and set the stage for future success in the years to come.
Ownership and Management
Ownership Changes
Royal AM Football Club was founded in 2020 by Shauwn Mkhize and her son Andile Mpisane. The club was initially known as Real Kings before it was renamed to Royal AM. In August 2021, the club purchased the Premiership license from Bloemfontein Celtic. The purchase of the license allowed the club to play in the top tier of South African football.
Management Structure
Shauwn Mkhize and her son Andile Mpisane have been actively involved in football for a while now. Both have served as chairman and president of the Royal Eagles FC. Andile Mpisane, at the age of 19, became the youngest chairperson in PSL history in October 2020.
Shauwn Mkhize is a well-known businesswoman in South Africa. Her personal wealth is rarely discussed, but according to recent reports, she has a net worth of at least R300 million ($20 million).
The day-to-day management of the club is overseen by the CEO, Sinky Mnisi. The club has also appointed a head coach, Simo Dladla, to lead the team on the pitch.
In 2023, the club faced a transfer ban from FIFA after unlawfully terminating the contract of Samir Nurkovic and failing to pay the outstanding fees. However, the ban was lifted in 2024, allowing the club to participate in the transfer market once again.
Overall, Royal AM Football Club has a strong ownership and management structure that is focused on building a successful team both on and off the pitch.
Team Identity
Club Colors and Crest
Royal AM Football Club’s colors are navy blue, gold, and white. The club’s crest features a lion in the center, which symbolizes strength, courage, and nobility. The lion is surrounded by a shield with the club’s name and founding year, 2015. The navy blue and gold colors of the crest represent the club’s ambition and desire to be successful.
Stadium and Facilities
The club plays its home matches at Chatsworth Stadium, which is located in Durban, South Africa. The stadium has a seating capacity of 10,000 and is equipped with modern facilities to ensure the comfort of the fans and players. The club has invested in its training facilities, which include a gym, physiotherapy room, and a state-of-the-art football pitch. These facilities are crucial in helping the team prepare adequately for matches and maintain their fitness levels.
Royal AM Football Club has worked hard to establish a strong team identity. The club’s colors and crest reflect the team’s ambition and desire to succeed, while the stadium and facilities provide a conducive environment for both the players and fans.
Competitions and Performance
League Performance
Royal AM Football Club has had a relatively short history in the South African football scene, having only been founded in 2019. However, the club has made significant strides in their performance in the league. In the 2023/2024 season, the club competed in the DStv Premiership League, which is the top tier of professional football in South Africa. They finished the season in 9th place out of 16 teams, with a total of 39 points. Despite not finishing in the top half of the league, the team showed promise and potential for future success.
Cup Competitions
In addition to their league performance, Royal AM has also competed in cup competitions. In the 2023/2024 season, the team participated in the Cup competition. They made it to the quarterfinals of the competition before being eliminated by Mamelodi Sundowns. The team also participated in the Nedbank Cup, but were eliminated in the first round by TS Sporting.
Overall, Royal AM’s performance in cup competitions has been relatively average. However, as a relatively new club, they have shown potential for improvement and growth in the future.
Notable Players and Coaches
Royal AM Football Club has had a relatively short history, having been founded in 2020 by businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize and her son Andile Mpisane. Despite this, the club has already had a number of notable players and coaches.
Players
One of the most notable players to have played for Royal AM is South African striker Samir Nurkovic. However, the club received a transfer ban from FIFA in 2023 after unlawfully terminating his contract and failing to pay the outstanding fees.
Other notable players to have played for the club include midfielder Lucky Baloyi, forward Ayanda Jiyane, and defender Hopewell Cele.
Coaches
Royal AM has had several coaches since its inception. John Maduka was the head coach for two separate stints, from August 2021 to June 2022 and from February 2023 to June 2023. Khabo Zondo was the head coach from July 2022 to February 2023.
It is worth noting that the club’s ownership has been involved in football for some time. Both Shauwn Mkhize and Andile Mpisane were previously involved with the Royal Eagles FC, with Mkhize serving as president and Mpisane serving as chairman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the founder of Royal AM Football Club?
Royal AM Football Club was founded by Shauwn Mkhize and her son Andile Mpisane in 2019. They purchased Real Kings and renamed it Royal AM.
What previous identities has Royal AM Football Club had?
Before becoming Royal AM Football Club, the team was known as Real Kings.
What are some notable achievements in Royal AM Football Club’s history?
Royal AM Football Club is a relatively new team in the South African football scene, having only been established in 2019. However, the team has already made an impact by purchasing the Premiership license from Bloemfontein Celtic in August 2021.
Who are some of the legendary players that have played for Royal AM Football Club?
As a relatively new team, Royal AM Football Club has not yet had the opportunity to develop a roster of legendary players. However, the team has attracted some talented players, including Samir Nurkovic.
How has the ownership of Royal AM Football Club influenced its success?
The ownership of Royal AM Football Club has played a significant role in the team’s success. Shauwn Mkhize and Andile Mpisane have brought a wealth of experience and resources to the team, which has allowed them to compete at the highest levels of South African football.
What is the significance of the ‘AM’ in Royal AM Football Club’s name?
The ‘AM’ in Royal AM Football Club’s name stands for ‘Andile Mpisane’, the son of co-founder Shauwn Mkhize. This is a nod to the family’s involvement in the team and their commitment to its success.
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