Shauwn Mkhize slams journalists over Royal AM ‘hearsay’ financial troubles

Royal AM owner Shauwn Mkhize has lashed out at journalists amid reports that the KwaZulu-Natal side has been struggling to accommodate and pay its players.

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Following a highly-publicised acquisition of Bloemfontein Celtic’s DStv Premiership status, Royal AM’s player ranks have swollen rapidly.

Reports have suggested that the club now has as many as 62 players on its books leading to obvious issues regarding the payment of wages.

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Mkhize, better known as MaMkhize, is a South African businesswoman, entrepreneur, philanthropist, television personality and socialite.

However, in a lengthy Instagram post on Friday she dismissed such suggestions, insisting the claims made in the media are nothing more than “hearsay”.

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Mkhize wrote: “I think we have a problem in the South African media landscape and true journalism is lost.

“Today many journalists only care about getting views and sales. Some are so eager to publish damaging stories to try to ruin peoples reputations instead of just calling to verify.”

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“I wish to clarify some of the damning allegations that were made:

“1. Our match with AmaZulu FC was cancelled due to medical issues with @amazulu_fc the team were having which I am not at liberty to discuss further but feel free to contact them.

“2. 8 players were not able to receive payment due to issues with their contracts needing to be finalised. The matter is ongoing and being sorted hence we have personally called the union President to come and assist.

“3. Players that are sharing rooms is out of choice not because we forced them to. They are friends and they asked to be put in the same room.

“4. We are not responsible for housing players and their families. They are professional players who earn salaries and are liable for their housing arrangements. We provide accommodation in-season when the team is camping at the base.

“5. I know journalists have some code “never reveal my source” my advice is to make sure that your “source” knows what they are talking about!!! Royal AM has a full team of people that are qualified to comment and verify on any queries you may have.

“I really hope that journalists and media houses that wish to write about me, my family or my team will do a better job in ensuring that they publish facts and not hearsay.”

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