Maritzburg and Royal AM at loggerheads over Harry Gwala Stadium

“It is with great disappointment that we are literally being given ‘the boot’ from Msunduzi municipality on the use of Harry Gwala,” said Kadodia in a letter addressed to the Msunduzi municipality.

SABC Sport understands there was an agreement for relegated Maritzburg to share Harry Gwala Stadium with Royal AM. However, it seems Royal AM are enjoying a monopoly over the facility.

“On our initial discussion with both Msunduzi and Royal AM it was verbally agreed to share the stadium subject to the fixtures at home not clashing,” continued Kadodia. 

“Msunduzi and all the persons listed above were copied with the final confirmed fixtures knowing well that we are playing at HARRY GWALA ON FRIDAY 25 the August.” [sic]

The statement continued:

“We are now told ROYAL AM are booked at the stadium to train on the 25 at 7h30. Captains training is normally held a day before the match. It appears that the municipality are under pressure following the letter by ROYAL AM not to allow MUFC use of the stadium.”

“It is strange, the municipality are the custodian of the stadium and seem to be giving exclusive use to ROYAL AM.  IT IS A SAD DAY FOR MUFC fans as the twenty years of providing PSL football in the city is totally ignored.” [sic]

Royal AM general manager Richard Makhoba responded to the allegations in a letter addressed to the Msunduzi Municipality, denying claims made by the Team of Choice. 

"As the General Manager of Royal AM Football Club, I have no powers to give permission to Maritzburg United or any club, to share Harry Gwala Stadium. The council's decision to offer Royal AM the Stadium needs to be respected as always”, he argued. 

"The process to access the facility does not depend on Royal AM but on the Municipality."