Royal AM confirm readiness for Orlando Pirates clash

The KwaZulu-Natal outfit last played on 29 December when they faced TS Galaxy but could not travel to Chippa United earlier this month when it emerged the South African Revenue Services had placed the team under curatorship due to a R40-million tax debt.

Speaking to SABC Sport, the veteran administrator made assurances that some calmness had been restored with players having returned to training after finally being paid their delayed salaries for December.

Royal AM are scheduled to face Pirates at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Thursday night, and Makhoba insists the game is going ahead.

“The question that everyone is asking is whether we are ready, and I can tell you we are ready and we have a squad of 37 players,” Makhoba assured. 

As reported by the public broadcaster, striker Mxolisi Macupu has left the club and is expected to join crosstown rivals Richards Bay on a free transfer.

“We are minus one player, Mr Mxolisi Macupu. He was released because of performance, and if you look at his age (35), he is a lot older and he was not cutting it into the team," the administrator added.

"He approached us asking to be released so that he can go find a team where he can play – and the club agreed. I need to also address the notion that people think because of the FIFA ban we do not have depth. 

"But the depth in our squad is amazing. I am speaking to you now – I have 37 players registered with our league. These players, week in and out, are players that make up the squad. If you look at my strikers, I have more than five all in top form. 

"The Pirates game is motivation on its own because we are coming up against a team that has done so well in the CAF Champions League and we urge our supporters to come in their numbers."

READ: Royal AM players request to be released