RICH Boyz but poor pitch.
Richards Bay FC, better known as the Rich Boyz, have confirmed that their first 2025/26 Betway Premiership fixture will no longer take place at their recently reclaimed home ground, uMhlathuze Stadium, due to a damaged pitch.
The club was set to host Marumo Gallants on Saturday, 9 August at uMhlathuze Stadium. However, the stadium surface was left in poor condition following last month's rain-soaked KZN Premier's Cup tournament.
The games were played on 26 and 27 July, with the Rich Boyz being crowned champions after beating Durban City 1-0 in the final.
Speaking to Daily Sun, club spokesman Xolani Zungu confirmed that the pitch damage was caused by the heavy schedule and bad weather during the weekend of the tournament.
"Unfortunately, it was raining that weekend. We had five matches - two on Saturday and three on Sunday - and that took a toll on the pitch," he said.
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Xolani also confirmed that the opening match will now be played at King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban.
"When we released a statement, the PSL had not yet granted confirmation. But later on, they confirmed that the game is now set for King Zwelithini Stadium," he said.
According to the club's statement released on 4 August, urgent work is now underway to repair the pitch.
"The City of uMhlathuze and the contractor are working around the clock to ensure that the surface is more than ready for our second home game against Chippa United on 26 August 2025," said the club.
The news will come as a blow to fans, who were looking forward to finally watching their team play in their own backyard.
Since earning promotion to the DStv Premiership in 2022, Richards Bay have been hosting their home games outside of town, mostly at Umlazi's King Zwelithini Stadium.
Their long-awaited return to uMhlathuze Stadium had been celebrated by both the club and its supporters as a fresh start and a chance to finally play on home soil.
"We apologise to our supporters who have been anticipating with excitement to see their heroes in action at home," the club said.
Despite the setback, the Natal Rich Boyz remain focused on the new season, which officially kicks off this weekend.
