PSL 2026: Richards Bay accept venue setback as Gabriel demands points

Richards Bay sit 11th in the South African Premier Soccer League with two points from three matches. Their record is two draws and one defeat, with three goals scored and four conceded, as they prepare to continue playing away from their usual venue.

The Natal Rich Boyz cannot currently use uMhlathuze Stadium because of venue-related problems. Some of their early-season fixtures will therefore be staged elsewhere, including in Durban. The change is significant after Richards Bay built a strong home record last season, making their ground a difficult destination for several leading teams.

Coach Gabriel has accepted that the club must adapt rather than allow the venue issue to affect their campaign. He wants the squad to prepare properly for each new setting and approach matches in Durban with the same expectation they would have at home. The immediate target is to collect points and make opponents feel they are playing away, despite the location.

Richards Bay drew 1-1 with Durban City at Chatsworth Stadium in their latest listed match. Nqaba Xulu gave them the lead in the ninth minute, scoring his first league goal since joining the club from newly promoted Milford FC during the off-season. Richards Bay confirmed the forward’s arrival in July.

Gabriel believes Xulu has shown enough in pre-season and the opening matches to become an important attacking option. The coach highlighted the forward’s composure in creating space against a defender and finishing the chance, while also calling for further work on Richards Bay’s defensive principles.

The club’s recent sequence is four draws and one defeat: 1-1 against Durban City, 0-1 at Magesi, 1-1 against Sekhukhune United, 1-1 at Marumo Gallants FC and 0-0 against Polokwane City. Kaizer Chiefs are next on 26 August, with the match scheduled for 19:30 at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Richards Bay will again need to treat a neutral or relocated setting as a home fixture while pursuing points.