With their aim to return to their home town, Richards Bay, next season, Richards Bay FC have given an update from the PSL regarding the uMhlathuze Sports Complex.
The Natal Rich Boyz have been using the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, Durban, as their home venue since their days in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
The uMhlathuze Complex had been barred after it was deemed unsuitable due to issues such as water leaks, broken ceiling panels and toilets, and safety concerns like unserviced fire extinguishers.
Following extensive and long-overdue renovations, Richards Bay chairman Sifiso ‘Jomo’ Biyela proudly announced the club’s strong desire to host all next season’s home matches at the newly revitalised uMhlathuze Sports Complex.
Now, in a further sign of progress towards returning to their home ground, Biyela has confirmed that the club formally requested an official inspection of the 9000-Sports Complex by the PSL.
He revealed that the PSL Chief Operations Officer [COO], Professor Ronnie Schloss, will be in Richards Bay on Thursday to conduct an inspection.
He further stated that they want to ensure that the venue will be thoroughly prepared to stage matches by August.
PSL TO CONDUCT INSPECTION AT UMHLATHUZE SPORTS COMPLEX
“Just today in the morning [Wednesday], I was speaking with the PSL CEO, Mam Mato Madlala, asking them to come and do the inspection at uMhlathuze,” said Biyela during an interview with Prime Time Sports with Victor Molefe on UKhozi FM.
“I can confirm that Mr Professor Ronnie Schloss will come and inspect on Thursday to see if the venue is ready to host PSL matches.”
Richards Bay will be aiming to come back even stronger next season, having ended the 2024/25 season on a high.
At this stage, they sit comfortably in eighth spot on the Betway Premiership log with 33 points after 28 matches. The only scenario in which they could drop lower is if Golden Arrows manage to defeat SuperSport United by an unlikely six-goal margin.
Abafana Bes’thende take on Matsatsantsa on Thursday, 29 May, completing the 45 minutes of their league match that was suspended in February.
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