The suspension comes after league officials declared the playing surface in Richards Bay unfit for professional football ahead of the new Betway Premiership season.
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The ban officially takes effect on 13 August 2026. It forces Richards Bay to find alternative venues for their upcoming home matches.
Among the affected fixtures is a highly anticipated Betway Premiership encounter against Kaizer Chiefs, which will now have to be played at a neutral venue.
PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE CITES PLAYER SAFETY
According to Richards Bay, inspectors raised serious concerns about the condition of the pitch during the latest facility inspection. The Premier Soccer League found that newly laid grass in damaged sections of the field had not developed strong enough roots, making the surface unsafe for competitive matches.
League officials concluded that allowing fixtures to proceed on the current pitch would expose players to an unnecessary risk of injury. As a result, the PSL ordered immediate rehabilitation work before the stadium can host top-flight football again.
Because of the short notice surrounding the inspection, the league allowed Richards Bay’s opening Betway Premiership fixture against Polokwane City to go ahead. A lower-division fixture scheduled for 12 August will also proceed before the suspension officially comes into effect.
RICHARDS BAY SEEK ALTERNATIVE VENUE
Richards Bay chairman Jomo Biyela confirmed the club had received the league’s directive and accepted that the stadium must meet the required standards before another inspection can take place.
Biyela also explained that responsibility for maintaining the facility lies with the City of uMhlathuze, which owns the uMhlathuze Sports Complex. The municipality is now expected to carry out urgent repairs and rehabilitation work to restore the playing surface to Premier Soccer League standards.
With several important Betway Premiership fixtures approaching, Richards Bay must now secure a temporary home venue while work continues on the pitch. The club has promised to keep supporters updated as efforts continue to ensure the uMhlathuze Sports Complex is ready to host top-flight football once again.
