MaMkhize hints at football comeback after Royal AM expulsion! Business mogul and reality TV star Shauwn Mkhize, popularly known as MaMkhize, is once again making headlines—this time, teasing a return to football just days after her club, Royal AM, was officially expelled from the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
The development follows the club’s placement under curatorship amid MaMkhize’s ongoing legal troubles, including allegations of tax evasion totaling more than R40 million.
Royal AM’s Fall from Grace
The expulsion of Royal AM from the PSL marks a dramatic fall for the club, which had made waves in South African football with its flamboyant owner and ambitious rise through the league ranks. The team was placed in curatorship following mounting financial concerns and legal battles linked to MaMkhize.
MaMkhize hints at football comeback
In addition to the tax evasion charges, the businesswoman has faced a string of legal issues, including accusations of fraud, forgery, and bribery. These allegations have not only cast a shadow over her business empire but also over her involvement in sports.
Despite the legal troubles, MaMkhize appears undeterred.
A Tease of a New Football Venture
Over the weekend, MaMkhize took to Instagram to share cryptic posts that have fueled speculation about her next move in football. In one video, she is seen boarding a Zikhulise vehicle—a brand linked to her group of companies operating in construction, security, transport, and cleaning services.
The video was accompanied by a cheeky caption: “It is what it is FOR NOW,” followed by multiple soccer ball emojis—hinting that her involvement in football might not be over just yet.
In another post, she shared a glamorous image of herself with the intriguing caption: “Guess what?” fueling rumours of a fresh start in the sport.
Adding fuel to the fire, her son Andile Mpisane, who has also been involved in the operations of Royal AM, posted an Instagram Story with the words: “New venture,” signaling a possible pivot to a new football-related project.
Interest in Eswatini’s Manzini Pirates
MaMkhize has reportedly shown interest in purchasing Manzini Pirates, a football club in Eswatini. While no official announcement has been made, the rumour mill is in overdrive, especially given her social media hints and the current vacuum left by Royal AM’s exit from the PSL.
However, Manzini Pirates’ president, Thulani Xaba, was quick to pour cold water on the speculation. Speaking to the media, he firmly stated that there had been no formal communication between his club and MaMkhize.
“I haven’t spoken to or met her. There’s nothing that has been spoken from my end… I think it’s just more mileage for her socials,” Xaba commented.
A Question of Reputation and Value
Xaba also questioned what value MaMkhize could bring to the Pirates, especially given her ongoing legal troubles and the fact that Royal AM had just been expelled from the PSL.
“She doesn’t have a team. As the president of the team, I would want to partner with someone who brings growth. What growth can she add? What value can she bring to the team?” he asked pointedly.
His remarks seemed to suggest that the Pirates were not keen on aligning themselves with someone under intense legal scrutiny and public controversy.
What’s Next for MaMkhize?
While MaMkhize hasn’t officially confirmed her next move in the football world, her social media activity and enigmatic posts suggest that she has no intention of walking away quietly. Whether she will re-enter the game through another club—locally or internationally—remains to be seen.
For now, all eyes are on MaMkhize as fans, critics, and industry insiders wait to see if this outspoken businesswoman will make a dramatic return to the pitch or fade into the shadows of her controversies.
