Richards Bay FC’s chairman Jomo Biyela confirmed that the club’s upcoming Betway Premiership fixture against Kaizer Chiefs, scheduled for Wednesday 26 August, will no longer be played at Moses Mabhida Stadium. The match has been moved to Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu for an evening kick‑off.
Biyela said the decision was driven by ongoing maintenance work at Moses Mabhida and compounded by adverse weather in Durban that has delayed the completion of the necessary repairs. "We had to change because in the meeting, it was discussed that we must not rush this venue because there’s something that needs to be fixed," he told the iDiski Times. "We are going to need this venue for the upcoming matches. So, we thought it’s important to move the match to another venue here in Durban."
The relocation means the Natal Rich Boyz will host the Amakhosi at Princess Magogo, a venue that will also be used for future fixtures. Biyela emphasized the importance of securing a reliable home ground as the club looks ahead to the remainder of the season.
While the venue change is the headline, the article also touches on pressure surrounding Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz. The board has set a bar for him, insisting that he lift the club to at least a runners‑up finish in the league to return to the CAF Champions League and prioritise success in a cup competition. The Chiefs were eliminated in the MTN8 by Golden Arrows, and the team sits with seven points from a possible nine in the Betway Premiership, following wins over Kruger United and Sekhukhune United and a 1‑1 draw away to Mamelodi Sundowns.
In addition, midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, 26, known as ‘Mshini’, was an unused substitute in the stalemate against Sundowns. His future remains unclear after failing to get off the bench in that encounter.
The venue switch is a logistical adjustment for Richards Bay, but it also underscores the broader challenges faced by both clubs as they navigate a demanding season and the expectations of their supporters.
