The young chairman, just 21 years old, has been spotted training with the club’s first team and even featured for the DStv Diski Challenge team in a 1-1 draw with AmaZulu. Mpisane also made a bench appearance in the 1-0 defeat against Richards Bay in the same month and came on as a late substitute in Royal AM’s penalty shootout win against Kaizer Chiefs in the Macufe Cup in September.
When quizzed by iDiski Times about Mpisane’s chances of playing for the first team, Royal AM head coach John Maduka responded with a sly grin and a cryptic answer, saying “It can be tomorrow, it can be the day after tomorrow, it can be anytime. You must remember that as a coach you prepare the team. If you raise up your hand and we think you’re ready, we will put you in.”
However, while Mpisane’s talent and potential have been recognized, his fitness remains a question, according to Maduka. The club will soon know their next opponents in the Nedbank Cup last-16 on Wednesday when the draw will take place. Royal AM is eager to go further this time around, having reached the semi-finals last season only to be knocked out by Mamelodi Sundowns.
