The venue crisis in the Premier Soccer League [PSL] continues to escalate, with Richards Bay FC becoming the latest club forced to find an alternative home ground after the PSL banned the uMhlathuze Sports Complex.
The Natal Rich Boyz have been hit with a four-week ban on hosting official PSL fixtures at the uMhlathuze Stadium. This will be effective from Thursday, 13 August 2026.
The suspension follows a recent pitch inspection conducted by PSL representatives, who deemed the playing surface unfit for official matches.
The decision comes shortly after Richards Bay hosted Polokwane City FC at the venue on Sunday, 2 August. The home side suffered a 2-1 defeat against the Limpopo outfit.
UMHLATHUZE STADIUM BANNED: RICHARDS BAY LATEST PSL SIDE FORCED OUT OF HOME GROUND
In an official statement released on Monday, 3 August 2026, the KwaZulu-Natal side confirmed the development and expressed regret to their supporters.
“Richards Bay FC regrets to announce that the PSL has issued a ban on fixtures at the uMhlathuze Stadium for a 4-week period starting on 13 August 2026,” reads the club statement.
“A decision was taken last week after an inspection that was conducted by PSL representatives. The club will keep the supporters and fans updated on the progress once received. We apologise for the situation which is beyond our control.”
SEKHUKHUNE UNITED AND POLOKWANE CITY FC FACING A SIMILAR SITUATION
Richards Bay are not the only team faced with the venue challenges. Limpopo-based sides Sekhukhune United and Polokwane City FC are facing a similar situation.
Sekhukhune confirmed that their two opening Betway Premiership home fixtures against Durban City FC and Polokwane City FC have been moved to the Seshego Stadium. This decision comes as the playing surface at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium undergoes scheduled rehabilitation work. The rehabilitation is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
Babina Noko managed to secure a 1-0 victory against Durban City at the Seshego Stadium on Saturday night.
OFFICIAL SEKHUKHUNE UNITED STATEMENT
“Sekhukhune United Football Club confirms that its 2026/27 Betway Premiership fixtures against Durban City and Polokwane City have been moved from New Peter Mokaba Stadium to Seshego Stadium. This is due to the ongoing rehabilitation of the playing surface,” reads the Babina Noko statement released last week.
“The rehabilitation work is progressing well and is expected to be completed within the coming weeks. The Club thanks its stakeholders and the Babina Noko faithful for their continued support and understanding. We look forward to welcoming all of you to Seshego Stadium as we begin our home campaign.”
Adding to the venue challenges in Limpopo, Polokwane City were also forced to shift their home matches to Seshego Stadium. Their primary venue, the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, is currently undergoing surface maintenance, which is expected to take roughly three weeks to complete.
STELLENBOSCH FC FORCED OUT OF WESTERN CAPE
The stadium scarcity extends beyond Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal. Western Cape outfit Stellenbosch FC were forced to move their 2026/27 season-opening home fixture against AmaZulu FC to the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Durban.
Stellies had to relocate due to the complete unavailability of suitable venues in the Western Cape. Danie Craven Stadium was unavailable due to hosting the FISU World University Rugby 7s.
Athlone Stadium was booked for the All Blacks [New Zealand] training camp. Meanwhile, the DHL Stadium was utilised for Currie Cup action between the DHL Stormers and the Hollywoodbets Sharks.
NELSON MANDELA BAY AND BUFFALO CITY STADIUMS UNAVAILABLE TO HOST CHIPPA UNITED GAMES
Meanwhile, Chippa United recently confirmed that both Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and Buffalo City Stadium will be unavailable throughout August due to pitch maintenance.
As a result, the Chilli Boys have relocated their home fixtures to Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto. They will host Richards Bay FC on Tuesday, 11 August at 19:30 at the venue.
“Chippa United FC wishes to inform its supporters that Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and Buffalo City Stadium will be unavailable throughout the month of August as both venues undergo scheduled pitch maintenance. As a result, the club will play its August home fixtures outside the Eastern Cape,” the club stated on 28 July 2026.
“On 16 August, Chippa United will host Orlando Pirates at the iconic King’s Park Stadium in Durban. For the first time in years, top-flight football returns to one of South Africa’s enduring football bastions.
“We encourage supporters to secure their tickets early and be part of this special occasion as elite football returns to a venue that has played a significant role in our nation’s football heritage.”
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