Betway Premiership: Richards Bay bank on Umhlathuze Stadium magic for Galaxy game

South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Richards Bay FC’s coach Ronnie Gabriel has explained the significance of their return to their home ground of Umhlathuze Stadium.

The Natal Rich Boys host TS Galaxy at the Durban venue in the Betway Premiership game on Wednesday. It is the first time Gabriel’s team will play at their backyard since 2022 when they were promoted to the top-flight league.

Ahead of the match, Gabriel said he was happy to have his charges playing in a familiar territory.

🎙️ Coach Ronnie Gabriel

“We’re happy to be back at our original home ground, Umhlathuze Stadium, for the game against TS Galaxy, we are counting on our supporters to be the extra man and push us to victory. pic.twitter.com/AviejOjcvm

— Richards Bay FC (@RichardsBayFC_) September 16, 2025

“We are happy to be back at our original home ground, Umhlathuze Stadium, for the game against TS Galaxy,” the coach told the club’s media.

‘Players excited to be coming back’

“We are counting on our supporters to be the extra man and push us up to victory.

“The players are excited to be coming back home to showcase their talent in front of their home supporters.”

The club has been unable to play at the venue since August 2021 when they faced Free State Stars in a Motsepe Foundation Championship match.

PSL had deemed Umlathuze unfit to host top-flight league games, citing safety concerns among other reasons.

Bay were having to use King Zwelithini and Princess Magogo stadiums as their home venues.