The effects of the FIFA transfer ban on Royal AM has become evident with the DStv Premiership club now facing the risk of getting into the relegation play-offs mud.
John Maduka has been forced to get into the ring without any transfer dealings from other clubs to reinforce his squad since the first ban relating to Samir Nurkovic came into effect on July 3, 2023.
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The KwaZulu-Natal club has since had another three-window ban added in the matter involving Ricardo Nascimento.
That sanction came into effect on January 15.
Royal AM have only been able to tap into their reserve team with Ayanda Jiyane, Sabelo Sithole, Hopewell Cele, and Sanele Radebe embracing the step up while Ayabulela Maxwele has been enjoying minutes since returning from his loan spell at TTM.
With lightweight recruits, Royal AM have battled and will not be repeating the highs of a third-place finish that they reached two years ago.
As it stands, they are not yet from getting sucked into the relegation play-offs mess and still need points on the board to secure their safety.
After losing Tebogo Potsane, Tshepo Rikhotso, Lantshene Phalane, Happy Jele, Ricardo Nascimento, Mthokozisi Dube, and Elias Pelembe without similar or better replacements the effects have been evident especially at the back.
Thwihli Thwahla have conceded 38 goals with the lack of an authoritative figure at centreback clear for all to see.
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Royal AM have chosen to appeal their case against Nurkovic through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) while with Nascimento they have changed their legal representatives.
Nascimento’s lawyer Pedro Felipe Gomes da Silva has confirmed that instead of Leruma Thobejane he is now dealing with Eben Koen from BDP Attorneys in matters relating to this case which is still pending.
Royal AM play Cape Town Spurs on Tuesday evening (19h30) at Harry Gwala.
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