Chiefs' clash against Richards Bay moved again

The Moses Mabhida Stadium is not ready for a return to action, forcing Wednesday’s Betway Premiership match between Richards Bay and Kaizer Chiefs to be moved.

The clash will now be played at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, Premier Soccer League officials said on Monday.

The Moses Mabhida Stadium has undergone renovation over the last few months, but the pitch is still in a poor state and unfit for top-flight football.

Richards Bay have already had to move the match from their home at the uMhlathuze Sports Complex because that stadium has been closed for pitch maintenance.

Municipal authorities have told the town’s two clubs – Milford and Richards Bay – that it will take a month before it is reopened, but club officials are predicting they will be forced to host their matches in Durban for much of the rest of the year.

The PSL has also cracked down on poor pitch conditions at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, and the Buffalo City Stadium, while the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium has also been closed to improve the playing surface.

The two Eastern Cape venues will be inspected again this week.

Several top-flight clubs have had to scramble for alternate venues in the early stages of the new season, with Chippa United forced to play their opening three home matches in the league at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto and at Kings Park in Durban.

Sekhukhune United have had to move their matches to Seshego and the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

At the start of the month, Stellenbosch had to forego home advantage for their opening league clash against AmaZulu when all the grounds in the Western Cape were already booked for other events.