Local football stadium needs urgent attention
After the excitement of the recent FIFA World Cup, the attention of locals is now focused on the National First Division.
Fighting hard for this city and region will be the Richards Bay Football Club, commonly known as the Natal Rich Boyz (NRB) outfit.
They took over from where Thanda Royal Zulu left off, but unfortunately the sale of the Amabhubesi franchise to AmaZulu meant PSL soccer did not come to the uMhlathuze Stadium.
However, despite limited resources and most of its star players having been lured to the higher division, NRB avoided relegation and will this year be looking to build on a solid foundation with the help of a new coach.
As the focus shifts to Sunday’s first fixture of the season, there are matters of clarity over the status of the club and its value to the region.
Firstly, as regards the stadium, this is simply the venue for NRB’s training and home matches.
It is not their ‘clubhouse’ and apart from the spectators who buy inexpensive tickets to support the side, there is no commercial activity on the premises – for example, no bar lounge or restaurant.
Therefore, there can be no comparison with the sports and recreation clubs currently under municipal scrutiny.
Secondly, while some have criticized the city for its monetary funding of the club, it must be borne in mind this is the only sport (or any other activity for that matter) that gets TV exposure every week, therefore a valuable advertisement for the city.
Having said that, it is with great regret that we can report no progress on fixing the atrocious condition of the interior of the main stadium building.
It remains as it was a year ago, needing major repair to its roof, seating, walls, toilets, windows and more.
The warning has been given before, but unheeded: should the PSL match commissioner inspect the premises when rain has flooded the change rooms and water runs down the electric lights and switches, they will have no alternative but to call off the game.
In all likelihood that would remain the situation until they are satisfied the faults have been remedied.
The playing field itself is in terrific condition; the amenities must be upgraded as a matter of urgency.
It’s a wonderful asset that shouldn’t be left to go to further ruin.