Roy Moodley is the reported new owner of Royal AM, who has gained attention after the club's suspension from the Betway Premiership due to its ongoing curatorship with SARS. But who exactly is Moodley, and what does his background bring to the table for the club?
Moodley, 71, is a prominent businessman based in Durban's Phoenix-Mount Edgecombe.
He is the founder of Royal Security, one of the largest private-sector safety and security companies in KwaZulu-Natal. He has also established himself as a racehorse owner and breeder, demonstrating his diverse business interests. While he is best known for his business ventures, his reported entry into football ownership has sparked interest, particularly due to his lack of prior experience in professional football management.
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Despite his relatively recent involvement in football, Moodley has long been passionate about the sport.
In his youth, he played as a striker for Chatsworth United and continued to follow the game throughout his life. Moodley has stated that football legend Jomo Sono was his idol growing up, and he has been a long-time supporter of British club Newcastle United.
In addition to his personal love for the game, Moodley has shown a commitment to grassroots football development. Last year, he sponsored the Roy Moodley Legacy Cup, a junior football tournament in Phoenix, contributing R250,000 over three years. He has also pledged R1 million over five years to sponsor the inaugural inter-city football championship under the SAFA eThekwini Region Football Association.
Moodley's move into football ownership comes at a critical time for Royal AM, following the club's suspension. His experience in running large businesses and his interest in supporting football development may help the club navigate its current challenges and move toward future stability.
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