Richards Bay’s homecoming postponed again

image: SuperSport

by Lwandiso Simanga 

Richards Bay’s long-awaited return to their hometown has been delayed once more, with the uMhlathuze Sports Complex ruled unfit for Premier Soccer League (PSL) action.

The club, promoted three seasons ago, has been forced to host all its home fixtures in Durban after the local municipality failed to deliver necessary upgrades to the stadium. Recent renovations had raised hopes of a long-overdue homecoming, but the venue again failed a PSL inspection ahead of this week’s scheduled clash with Chippa United. The fixture will now be played at KwaMashu’s Princess Magogo Stadium.

It marks another setback after their season opener against Marumo Gallants was also shifted at the last minute to Umlazi. Richards Bay have previously alternated between Umlazi and Moses Mabhida Stadium, never managing to play a top-flight home match in their own town.

Coach Ronnie Gabriel had earlier expressed optimism about the move back to Richards Bay, highlighting the potential impact of home support. “We have got passionate supporters back home and they really will be like a 12th man,” he said, before the latest setback was confirmed.

The delay comes at a difficult time for the club. After finishing a surprising eighth last season, Richards Bay have endured a poor start to the new campaign, losing their first four matches and sitting bottom of the table.

They are not alone in their struggles with stadium compliance newcomers Orbit College have also had to relocate home matches from Rustenburg to Dobsonville.