Richards Bay FC chairman Jomo Biyela has discussed the major factor behind the persistent struggles of the Natal Rich Boyz since their promotion to the top-flight.
The KZN side earned automatic promotion to the PSL’s top-tier after clinching the 2021/22 Motsepe Foundation Championship title.
The team’s promising start to their debut season in the Betway Premiership turned into a nightmare as their form plummeted in the second round, and they’ve been in a downward spiral ever since. They finished 13th in the 2022/23 campaign and 15th last season, narrowly avoiding relegation via the PSL Promotional/Relegation playoffs.
However, their 2024/25 campaign has gotten off to a poor start as they currently find themselves rooted to the bottom of the table with only five points after nine matches.
Biyela, speaking to this website, reiterated that playing their home matches away from their homeland of Richards Bay, where their support base is, has greatly contributed to their troubles.
While he appreciated the support they receive in Durban, he believes it is inconsistent compared to the regular backing they used to receive when they played in front of their community in Richards Bay.
JOMO BIYELA ON WHAT’S BEEN BEHIND RICHARDS BAY’S CONSTANT STRUGGLES
“One has mixed feelings about [our journey so far in the top-flight] because when we formed the team, it was supposed to be for our people in Richards Bay,” said Biyela during the interview with FARPost.
“We wanted the team to be an inspiration to our youth of Richards Bay. But unfortunately, since we’re not here, this makes us not achieve the things we wanted when we formed the team.
“We’ve played here before, especially when one was still at Thanda [Royal Zulu] and our first season as Richards Bay FC. The support was immense than what it is.
“But then we understand that when you go to Durban, people have teams they support. Sometimes, games are played at the same time. One supports AmaZulu FC, one supports Golden Arrows because those are their teams. The support we get there is not consistent.
“But here [Richards Bay], it doesn’t matter which team one supports; when we play, people will come and rally behind us.
“That’s one of the things that contribute to struggles. There’s no team in the world which can really enjoy playing 30 games away from home.”
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