No team from KwaZulu-Natal qualified for the MTN8 ahead of the new PSL season, however, Msunduzi Municipality's sponsorship of R27 million of Royal AM is going ahead and the mayor has responded to the criticism on the deal.
The 2022/23 season was one of the worst seasons for teams from KZN, as Maritzburg United got relegated and no team finished in the top eight, as Royal AM finished in 11th spot on the table.
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However, Thwihli Thwahla were awarded a sponsorship of R27 million spanning over three years (R9 million for each season, starting from 2023/24) by Msunduzi Municipality to leave Durban and play their matches in Pietermaritzburg as a replacement for the Team of Choice, who got relegated.
Msunduzi Municipality ended their agreement with United, which was set to expire next season and instead picked Royal AM to play their games at Harry Gwala Stadium.
The decision by the Municipality received backlash from opposition parties, who voted against it but they were outvoted by the ruling party, the ANC.
KwaZulu-Natal Action SA leader Zwakele Mncwango criticised the Municipality for awarding the multi-million rand deal.
"We talk about a municipality that has been under administration for five years now, till to date, there's no improvement in terms of stability of that municipality," Mncwango said on SABC News.
"How do you come and say you allocate R27 million to a football club at a time where you can't even service your debts. We know that the owners of Royal AM are the one who show us as the public how they flash millions on unnecessary items like cars and clothes."
In response, Msunduzi local Municipality mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla says they won't be getting revenue from the deal but they made the agreement to save jobs in the hospitality sector.
"We're not going to be collecting any revenue as the city from this deal but what happens when big teams come play here? I bet you go and look for a bed in the city. You'll not find even one. Who benefits? It's Maritzburg businesses and in return they are able to pay us. We're saving jobs here, more than 500 people who are working in this hospitality industry," he added.
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