The travelling had taken its toll on us, says Ronnie Gabriel as Richards Bay embrace return

IOL News

14-07-2025

UMhlathuze Sports Complex in Richards Bay. Picture by : Zakhele Xaba
Image: ZAKHELE XABA
Richards Bay FC coach Ronnie Gabriel has welcomed the club's long-awaited return to their hometown, with the Mhlathuze Sports Complex set to host top-flight football for the first time — pending final pitch approval from the PSL.
Since earning promotion to the Betway Premiership three seasons ago, the Natal Rich Boyz have been forced to play their home fixtures at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban.
The Mhlathuze venue, previously deemed unfit for PSL standards, has undergone significant renovations — with the final green light now hinging on an upcoming PSL inspection of the newly laid pitch.
'We're very happy to be coming back and playing at home, the travelling had really taken its toll on us,' said Gabriel, whose team regularly had to endure long trips just to honour their home matches.
The stadium's overhaul includes improved facilities, structural upgrades, and a major capacity boost — from 4 000 to 9 000 seats — finally bringing it in line with top-flight requirements.
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The club hopes to be cleared in time for the 2025/26 season and to mark their return during the upcoming KZN Premier's Cup, which will be hosted at the stadium at the end of the month.
The opening day of the KZN Premier's Cup on Saturday will see AmaZulu face Golden Arrows at 11AM, followed by a 1PM clash between Durban City and Milford FC. Sunday morning action kicks off at 9AM with Richards Bay taking on Midlands Wanderers in front of what is expected to be a lively local crowd.
The two semi-finals winners will meet at 1PM, before the grand final is staged at 4PM to close off the tournament.
'We feel that playing at home could add another 10–12 points to our total tally at the end of the season,' Gabriel continued. 'When you're not travelling every week, your recovery, preparation and consistency all improve.'
Richards Bay made history last season by finishing eighth — their highest-ever position — and qualifying for the MTN8 competition for the first time.
Gabriel and co-coach Papi Zothwane now believe that the long-awaited return to home soil could serve as a further springboard for greater consistency and ambition.
'At the same time, we want to make our supporters happy and reward them for all the love they've shown us,' Gabriel added. 'The ideal time for that will be at the Premier's Cup. It's going to be emotional — for us and for the fans.'
Supporters in the city have never watched their side play a PSL match in Richards Bay, and the return marks a historic moment for local football.
With only one final inspection standing between the club and their long-awaited homecoming, anticipation is mounting in northern KwaZulu-Natal — and Gabriel insists it could make all the difference.