Experienced football administrator Sinky Mnisi has officially left Royal AM as a CEO after putting himself on “special leave”.
Mnisi was the Chief Executive Officer of the DStv Premiership side Royal AM after he had been appointed ahead of the 2020/21 season, when the club was campaigning in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
He joined Royal AM at that time after Royal AM boss Shauwn Mkhize had purchased the Championship status of Real Kings and rebranded itself.
Mnisi’s leadership instantly paid off and saw Thwihli Thwahla finish top and won the automatic promotion in the Championship in that campaign, before Sekhukhune United were awarded three points in the courtrooms to put them ahead of Royal AM on the log.
After boycotting the relegation/promtion playoffs, Shauwn ‘Ma’ Mkhize opted to buy the PSL status of Bloemfontein Celtic at the beginning of last season.
Despite the club being new in the top flight, Royal AM punched above their weight, finishing third in the league and qualifying for CAF inter-club competition.
But things turned sour with Mkhize, with experienced Mnisi announcing last year in August that he will be going on ‘special leave’ following some controversy regarding John Maduka leaving to join Maritzburg United and the appointment of coach Khabo Zondo, amongst other things.
The former Highlands Park CEO has since released a statement, confirming that he has now finally left Royal AM.
“It is my pleasure to announce to the world of sports in general and the football village in particular my exit from Royal AM FC with immediate effect after my return from special leave on 28 December 2022,” Mnisi said in a statement sent to iDiski Times.
“I thank Royal AM FC for the opportunity it afforded me to showcase my talent in football administration and management.
“I am grateful to God for the excellent success I achieved with Royal AM FC in my short stint at the club.”
Recent reports have linked him with the post of the PSL CEO, which has been held in an acting role by Mato Madlala for almost eight years. This might not be a surprise as Mnisi has a close relationship with PSL chairman Dr Irvin Khoza.