Richards Bay FC chairman, Sifiso Biyela, has elaborated on the potential return to their home ground, the Umhlathuze Sports Ground, next season.
This announcement marks a significant milestone for the Betway Premiership side, as they have been absent from their home stadium for several years due to a series of safety concerns and logistical issues.
The club’s last match at the Umhlathuze Sports Ground was in August 2021, during their time in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. That being said, the stadium was banned by the Premier Soccer League’s Disciplinary Committee following a detailed report from league COO Ronnie Schloss.
The report highlighted several safety hazards, including broken toilets, ceiling damage, faulty fire extinguishers, and power cables submerged in water—issues that posed serious risks to players, staff, and supporters.
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Efforts to address these problems and refurbish the stadium faced significant delays, mainly due to disputes within the local municipality over who would bear responsibility for the necessary repairs. As a result, Richards Bay FC was forced to relocate their home fixtures to the King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban, a whopping 170 kilometers south of their original venue.
Despite these challenges, the club’s resilience shone through. In the 2021/22 season, Richards Bay FC triumphed in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, securing promotion to the prestigious Betway Premiership. Since their promotion, however, life in the top tier of South African football has been a constant battle for survival. The club finished 13th in the 2022/23 season and narrowly escaped relegation, finishing 15th last season and retaining their top-flight status through the playoffs.
With their return to the Umhlathuze Sports Ground next season, Richards Bay FC is hopeful that a more stable and secure environment will help them build on their previous successes and establish themselves as a competitive force in the Premiership. The club’s supporters will undoubtedly welcome the homecoming, as it signifies a new chapter for both the team and the community.
Now in their third top-flight campaign, the Natal Rich Boys are 11th on the log with 30 points from 27 matches. Their 1–1 draw with Golden Arrows on Saturday marked their final match in Durban. Biyela announced the long-awaited return during a post-match address to fans.
“This is our fourth season playing in Durban. We don’t know what Richards Bay is like after this time away, but we trust we will be back there next season,” Biyela was quoted Sportswrire.com.
Biyela also thanked the supporters and technical team for their commitment during a season that included the departure of coach Brandon Truter and a co-coaching setup. Richards Bay wrap up their campaign away to SuperSport United on 24 May at Peter Mokaba Stadium.