Premier Soccer League (PSL) chief operations officer Professor Ronnie Schloss is conducting an inspection of the uMhlathuze Stadium to assess its readiness for the new season.

According to the Zululand Observer, Richards Bay FC has been unable to play home games at the venue since September 2021, when the PSL banned the use of the stadium.

The PSL condemned the hazardous, near-derelict uMhlathuze Stadium due to issues such as unsealed roof water running down electrical pathways, flooding offices and passages.

The new grandstand, which will raise the stadium’s capacity to 9 000, is looking good – but the dead grass on the field presents a major challenge.

Responding to questions from the Zululand Observer earlier this month, the City of uMhlathuze outlined progress ahead of ‘the practical completion of the stadium refurbishment’ on Saturday, which would allow the facility to be used – pending PSL inspection, assessment and authorisation.

At the time, the stadium rebuild was reported to be 94% complete. Outstanding items included access control, CCTV, internet/Wi-Fi connections, turnstiles, seat numbering, and immovable furniture in VIP suites.

City manager Phakama Mhlongo, however, expressed confidence that the PSL’s requirements would be met.