Richards Bay Stadium Officially Becomes New Home Ground for Major Football Fixtures
Richards Bay, KZN – July 2025
Excitement is building in KwaZulu-Natal as the Richards Bay Stadium has officially been confirmed as the new home ground for Richards Bay Football Club, with major fixtures lined up against Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in the 2026 season.
This announcement was made by Jomo Biyela, the club’s managing director, who described the move as a massive victory for both the club and local football fans.
“I’m very happy with this stadium and deeply grateful to Mayor Ngwezi. We will no longer struggle with the high costs of playing our home matches in Durban,” said Biyela.
To ensure the safety of supporters, Biyela mentioned that 9,000 tickets will be released for upcoming matches, while 1,500 will be held back to control crowd numbers and maintain order inside the stadium.
Stadium Brings Broader Opportunities to Local and International Clubs
The stadium, which was originally constructed in 2010 with a seating capacity of 4,000, had remained underutilized for years. Thanks to renewed efforts by uMhlathuze Municipality, led by Mayor Xolani Ngwezi, the stadium has undergone a full revamp and now accommodates 10,500 spectators, complete with modern facilities and safety features. Plans are in place to install roofing shelters in the coming months.
Beyond Richards Bay FC, the stadium will also serve as a home ground for other local and international teams. Milford FC has already requested to play their home matches at the venue, and Nsingizini FC from Eswatini has expressed interest in using the facility for its CAF (Confederation of African Football) tournaments.
“This stadium is more than just a sports facility—it’s a regional asset that will benefit our people and our economy,” said Mayor Ngwezi.
Premier’s Cup and Economic Boost for the Region
The stadium will host the KZN Premier’s Cup this coming weekend, marking its official return to active use. Local businesses, informal traders, and service providers are expected to benefit greatly from the increased foot traffic and tourism generated by these high-profile events.
“This is a win not just for football fans, but also for small business owners in the Mhlathuze region,” Ngwezi added.
A Bright Future for Football in Richards Bay
With renewed municipal support, growing fan engagement, and partnerships with local and international clubs, Richards Bay Stadium is on track to become a premier sporting hub in KwaZulu-Natal.
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