Msunduzi Municipality Seeks to Acquire Premier League Club to Utilize Harry Gwala Stadium
Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla of the Msunduzi Municipality has pledged to secure a Premier Soccer League (PSL) football club for Harry Gwala Stadium for the upcoming season, emphasizing that the venue should not remain underutilized.
The municipality is actively seeking a PSL tenant following the end of Royal AM’s PSL membership.
This past season, Royal AM had been utilizing the stadium under a three-year contract that commenced at the beginning of the previous season.
However, the Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal criticized this deal, contending that the funds allocated should have been invested in road infrastructure and essential services for Pietermaritzburg.
The agreement with Royal AM was abruptly terminated when the South African Revenue Service (SARS) intervened to seize the club due to alleged tax debts owed by owner Shauwn Mkhize. SARS appointed Jaco Venter as curator, effectively preventing Royal AM from hosting matches until Mkhize resolved her outstanding debt.
With no appropriate buyers stepping forward to assist SARS in recovering the owed funds, the PSL canceled Royal AM’s membership last week.
This decision results in the PSL concluding the current season with 15 teams. Royal AM’s last match at Harry Gwala Stadium occurred on December 29, where they faced a defeat against TS Galaxy.
The stadium now risks being without a top-flight club in 2025, following Maritzburg United’s exit. Nevertheless, the municipality has vowed to explore all avenues to attract a new tenant.
“We will promptly submit a report to the council, which will determine the best way forward,” Mayor Thebolla told Sportswire. “We have teams competing in the ABC Motsepe League here. It’s unfortunate that Maritzburg United has departed, and we will assess all viable options. We must not let this facility turn into a white elephant.”
When the Msunduzi Municipality partnered with Royal AM in 2023, they projected an annual economic benefit of R64 million from boosted tourism due to the club’s home matches.
“This collaboration was intended to invigorate the city’s economy,” clarified Mayor Thebolla. “We stressed that it was an economic decision, not merely a political one, acknowledging the substantial local economic benefits of hosting a PSL team. We will investigate all potential opportunities.”
Despite this, Farouk Kadodia, chairman of Durban City (formerly Maritzburg United), has expressed his unwillingness to return to Harry Gwala Stadium. Durban City is currently leading the Motsepe Foundation Championship and has a strong chance of promotion to the PSL.
When asked about the possibility of reconciling with Kadodia to facilitate the club’s return to Pietermaritzburg, Mayor Thebolla replied, “The situation unfortunately became personal, framed as a conflict with the mayor instead of a council matter. The council will ultimately decide. If reconciliation is achievable, we will explore it.”