Maritzburg United CEO Younus Kadodia has confirmed that the club is on the brink of a name change due to an ongoing dispute over the use of Harry Gwala Stadium, forcing them to permanently move to Durban.
United was barred from using the stadium after relegation, with Royal AM securing the venue and financial backing from the Msunduzi Municipality.
At some point before the start of the previous season, an agreement was reached for both Maritzburg and Royal AM to share the venue.
However, in August, there was a turnaround as Royal AM wrote a letter to Msunduzi Municipality stating, “We request your office to please remove Maritzburg United with immediate effect from the training field as our MDC and ladies’ team will soon need a place to train.”
As a result, United played their home matches at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont last season. Despite numerous attempts, Kadodia says they have been unable to secure a return to Harry Gwala.
He expressed disappointment at the prospect of ending the club’s 21-year association with Pietermaritzburg.
NO SUCCESS IN GETTING MARITZBURG UNITED BACK TO HARRY GWALA
“We haven’t had any success with regard to finding a resolution regarding the use of Harry Gwala,” said Kadodia.
“And it’s sad that the club that has had 21 years of history in the city of Pietermaritzburg can no longer games there. With that said, the club is in the process of finalising the way forward.
“I think it’s quite sad for our support base, the people of Maritzburg and communities around the city having been behind us for 21 years to see the team no longer playing games in Pietermaritzburg.”
Kadodia says it makes no sense for the club to continue being called “Maritzburg United” while they are based in Durban.
KADODIA: ‘IT’S DIFFICULT TO BE CALLED MARITZBURG WHILE BASED IN DURBAN’
“For the 2024/25 PSL season, our games will be at the Chatsworth Stadium and going forward, we will make a decision regarding the future of the club,” he added. “It’s difficult for us to be called Maritzburg while playing in Durban. I think that decision will be taken in the next few weeks.
“The club will make an announcement in that regard.”
He made a reassurance that they won’t be walking away from football but would only change the name of the franchise.
KADODIAS NOT WALKING AWAY FROM FOOTBALL, ONLY A CHANGE OF NAME FOR FRANCHISE
“It’s just the change of the name, it’s something that the directors of the club will sit down and decide going forward what’s the best way forward for the club and take it from there,” he concluded.
“We’ve built up a strong community-based brand over the last 21 years. And unfortunately, we’ve seen the impact of our fans not being able to travel to Durban for all our home games.
“It’s unfortunate, and this will be the second season that it’s happening.
“We have to look to get the support from the communities around there [Chartsworth].”
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