The winner of that match is set to meet Mamelodi Sundowns for an anticipated quarter-final clash.

The turmoil surrounding the KwaZulu-Natal outfit has been exacerbated by the personal financial issues of its owner, Shauwn Mkhize, who is currently embroiled in astaggering R40 million tax debt owed to the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

This severe financial strain has intensified speculation about the future of Royal AM, with reports suggesting that the club is on the verge of being sold.

Royal AM’s disqualification not only delays their progress in the Nedbank Cup but also creates a vacancy for Sekhukhune United to advance to the Last 16, where they will face Milford United this Sunday in Durban.

In a court ruling aimed at addressing the financial disarray, a curator has been appointed to oversee the club’s affairs, with a directive that they be put up for sale.

This decision has appeared to bring an end to the uncertainty surrounding the operational status of the club, with the curator emphasising the urgency of the sale to prevent potential liquidation.

New investors would face a significant challenge, as they would need to inherit all debts and obligations while hoping to turn the struggling entity into a profitable business.

The PSL has also recently suspended all monthly grant payments to Royal AM due to insufficient exposure of their headline sponsor, Betway. This suspension, initiated earlier this month, led to the indefinite halt of all Royal AM fixtures—an action that deepens the frustrations of fans and players yearning for clarity amidst the chaos.

Financial disturbances have not just disrupted match schedules; they have also led to the seizure of assets and the freezing of Mkhize’s personal accounts.

This turmoil has severely impacted regular payments to players.

Reports indicate that players received their December salaries in late January, and while the situation regarding January’s payments has been resolved, it continues to unfold under distressing conditions.

Currently languishing at the bottom of the Betway Premiership table with a meagre eight points from 11 matches, Royal AM’s struggles culminated in a disappointing 3-1 defeat to TS Galaxy on December 29.