The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has suspended the use of uMhlathuze Sports Complex for four weeks following a stadium inspection conducted ahead of the new season.
The Richards Bay-based venue serves as the home ground for Richards Bay FC and newly promoted Milford FC.
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The Natal Rich Boyz opened their Betway Premiership campaign at the stadium on Sunday, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Polokwane City.
Milford, meanwhile, began life in the top flight with a 2-0 loss to defending champions Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium.
Milford are still expected to host Siwelele at uMhlathuze in their first home fixture on 12 August before the suspension of the venue takes effect.
The inspection found the playing surface to be in poor condition, with the PSL requiring remedial work to be completed before another inspection is carried out.
iDiski Times contacted Richards Bay chairman Jomo Biyela for comment, and he confirmed that the club had been informed by the league.
”We are going to release a statement also on it. Obviously, PSL has the right to close and open the stadium,” Biyela told iDiski Times.
”They wrote for us explaining that the stadium will be suspended for four weeks and that we will only get to play there after four weeks if the stadium is fixed.”
Moments later, Richards Bay released a statement, confirming the news.
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