Thabo Matlaba leads Royal AM pay list as young players earns peanuts
Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize, president of Royal AM, has disclosed player salary details as part of her legal challenge against the Premier Soccer League’s (PSL) decision to expel her team, according to Sunday World.
The PSL argued that financial struggles led to the club failing to honor fixtures, but Mkhize is using the salary payments as proof that she continued to meet her financial obligations despite these issues.
Defender Thabo Matlaba is the highest-paid player, earning R121,000 per month, while midfielders Kabelo Mahlasela and Shadrack Kobedi take home R93,500 and R80,000, respectively. However, there are stark wage disparities, with players like Mnguni S earning just R2,000 and goalkeeper Aphile Ngobese receiving R7,916. Other players like Philani Khumalo and Xolani Phewa earn R16,000 each.
Mkhize claims that despite the PSL suspending the R2.3-million grant meant for operational costs, she was able to pay player salaries.
This disclosure has reignited concerns about wage inequality within the team.
Mkhize has applied for an urgent court order to reverse the PSL’s expulsion decision, with the case set for May 20. The salary revelations further fuel the debate on financial transparency and fair pay in South African football.