Richards Bay’s long-awaited uMhlathuze return delayed by damaged pitch

Richards Bay FC’s long-awaited return to their true home in uMhlathuze has been put on hold, just days before the start of the new Betway Premiership season.

After spending their first three seasons in the top flight playing out of the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, the Natal Rich Boyz were finally set to host matches at the newly refurbished uMhlathuze Stadium — starting with a home opener against Marumo Gallants on Saturday. 

However, that emotional comeback has now been delayed.

The club confirmed on Monday that the fixture will be moved to a different venue following significant damage to the pitch during the KZN Premier’s Cup last weekend, where heavy rain left the surface unplayable.

“Following a tough KZN Premier’s Cup contested over rain-sodden days last weekend, the uMhlathuze Stadium playing surface faced significant damage and that has necessitated a change of venue to allow sufficient time for remedial action to be completed,” the club said in a statement.

It’s an unfortunate twist for the coastal outfit, who not only won the pre-season competition with a win over Durban City but also used the occasion to mark the symbolic reopening of the stadium they consider home.

City of uMhlathuze officials and the appointed contractors are said to be working tirelessly to ensure the pitch is ready by the time Richards Bay host Chippa United on 26 August.

The unexpected venue switch throws a spanner in the works for co-coaches Ronnie Gabriel and Papi Zothwane, who had hoped to ride the wave of momentum into the opening weekend. 

The pair have already started shaping a competitive squad with new additions and will be eager to start the campaign on a high—even if it means doing so away from their fanbase.

Supporters, who had been eagerly anticipating the return of elite football to uMhlathuze for the first time in over three years, will now have to wait a few more weeks to see their team in action at home.

“We apologise to our supporters who have been anticipating with excitement to see their heroes in action at home, but we could not allow further damage to the playing surface,” the club added.

An alternative venue for the clash against Gallants will be announced in due course which is expected to be a return to Umlazi as per the PSL fixture.