PSL suspends uMhlathuze Sports Complex for four weeks after inspection

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has suspended the use of uMhlathuze Sports Complex for four weeks after an inspection found the playing surface to be in poor condition before the start of the new season.

The venue, based in Richards Bay, is the home ground of Betway Premiership clubs Richards Bay FC and newly promoted Milford FC.

Richards Bay, known as the Natal Rich Boyz, have already played their opening league match at the stadium. They were beaten 2-1 by Polokwane City on Sunday.

Milford’s first top-flight match ended in a 2-0 defeat by defending champions Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium.

Despite the suspension, Milford are expected to play their first home fixture at uMhlathuze Sports Complex on 12 August, when they host Siwelele. The ban will take effect after that match.

The PSL said remedial work must be carried out on the pitch before the venue can be inspected again. The stadium will only be cleared for further use if the required improvements are completed and the playing surface meets the league’s standards.

Richards Bay chairman Jomo Biyela confirmed that the club had been notified of the decision when contacted by iDiski Times.

”We are going to release a statement also on it. Obviously, PSL has the right to close and open the stadium,” Biyela toldiDiski Times.

”They wrote for us explaining that the stadium will be suspended for four weeks and that we will only get to play there after four weeks if the stadium is fixed.”

Richards Bay later issued a statement confirming the suspension.

The decision affects both clubs that use the Richards Bay-based ground, although Milford’s scheduled fixture against Siwelele is still expected to go ahead there before the four-week period begins.

Milford are competing in the Betway Premiership for the first time after earning promotion, but their opening match against Orlando Pirates ended in defeat at the champions’ Orlando Stadium.

Richards Bay began their campaign at home but could not mark the occasion with a victory, losing to Polokwane City in a match that ended 2-1.

The PSL’s inspection was conducted as part of preparations for the new season and identified the condition of the pitch as the reason for the temporary closure.

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