No fans for first NRB game
RICHARDS Bay FC are just six days away from playing their first match of the 2018/19 National First Division season.
However, the home fixture against Ubuntu United on Sunday 19 August will be played behind the locked gates of the uMhlathuze Stadium, with no spectators allowed on the grandstands.
This is owing to the PSL Disciplinary Committee decision imposing fines on the club following an incident during a home match against Super Eagles on 14 April this year.
But fate might balance the scales with the possibility that NRB’s second game, versus Stellenbosch on 26 August, might be played in Richards Bay.
This as the Cape’s clubs are battling to access shared venues for their home games.
Overuse, excessive demand, closure for renovations and the effects of the drought have had a massive negative outcome for football in Cape Town, with PSL, NFD and lower league sides also competing with Rugby Sevens and pop concerts for the sharing of stadiums.
A decision is expected shortly.
Meanwhile, NRB coach Brandon
Truter has been fine-tuning his squad in preparation for the start of the league on Sunday, reinforcing the defence and focusing on speed, accuracy and sharp decision making up front.
The boys excelled in the Premier’s Cup and in pre-season friendlies and will be keen to begin their campaign with a win – even without the staunch fans to cheer them on.