Richards Bay FC head coach Ronnie Gabriel has revealed when the club will return to its primary home venue, uMhlathuze Sports Complex, following a temporary move away.
The Natal Rich Boyz were forced to play their first Betway Premiership home game against Marumo Gallants at King Zwelithini Stadium after the playing surface at the uMhlathuze Complex had suffered significant damage.
This was after the heavy rain during last month’s KZN Premier’s Cup, leaving the pitch unplayable for Richards Bay’s league opener.
Gabriel confirmed that the club will return to their original home ground in their next home match when they welcome Chippa United on Tuesday, 26 August.
NATAL RICH BOYZ TO PLAY NEXT HOME GAME IN RICHARDS BAY
“I remember that our [next] home match is against Chippa on the 26th, so we will be back on the other side, playing our home games back at home,” said Gabriel.
Before their match against Chippa, the KZN side will first travel to FNB Stadium to face Kaizer Chiefs in a league clash on Tuesday, 19 August.
Hoping to bounce back from two straight losses, Richards Bay seek to turn their fortunes around. Gabriel believes his team is performing well, despite the defeats, noting they dominated both of their previous matches.
“If you talk about the style of play, I think our new players have adapted to it,” added Gabriel.
“The adaptation process took place during the pre-season and the competitive fixtures we’ve had so far this season.
“It’s just a matter of the quality coming through within the game plan…but in terms of the synergy in the team, we feel it’s there. We feel [in the past two games], we played a good brand of football, we showed it.
“It’s just that within the structure and formation, the players have to play roles and excel in those roles. But in terms of the game model and plan, they have acclimatised very well.”
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