Richards Bay return to uMhlathuze delayed after pitch deemed unplayable

The Premier Soccer League, upon its latest inspection, has declared the pitch unplayable and ordered the stadium to remain closed until further notice.

In a letter to the club, the PSL detailed: “Due to grass sods that have been planted in the damaged areas still having to take, the roots need to bind and establish themselves to provide a firm playing surface.”

The league further cautioned that: “To play on the pitch in its present condition also poses potential danger to the players, which we must be cognisant of.”

The setback means the Natal Rich Boys, who were set to return home this season, have been forced to continue using alternative venues. 

READ: Mbombela Stadium chosen as MTN8 final venue

Their 2025/26 Betway Premiership opener against Marumo Gallants on 9 August had already been shifted, with the club staging home matches at either King Zwelithini Stadium or Princess Magogo Stadium.

The announcement comes as a blow to fans who were eager to finally see their team compete on home soil in Richards Bay, where the pitch was left in poor condition after heavy rainfall during the KZN Premier’s Cup earlier this month.

Since their promotion to the DStv Premiership in 2022, Richards Bay have been based in Umlazi, with the move back to uMhlathuze seen as a symbolic new chapter for the club and its loyal fanbase.

Richards Bay travel to Bloemfontein to face Siwelele on Friday evening, before hosting TS Galaxy on 17 September, though the venue for that fixture is yet to be confirmed.