Durban - The City of uMhlathuze says renovation work on the uMhlathuze Sports Complex in Richards Bay is progressing well.
Last week, uMhlathuze Mayor Xolani Ngwezi, accompanied by City Manager Nkosenye Zulu and Deputy City Manager Sibusiso Ngcobo, paid a visit to to the stadium.
The municipality said the first phase of the work involving waterproofing had been completed.
“The second phase of the project involves the construction of new entrance and access roads, renovation of stormwater (drains) and walkways, provision of grandstands to increase capacity from 4 000 to 9 000 seats, provision of market stalls and ablution facilities, internal refurbishment, and replacement of components of the sports facility. Then, lastly, (there will) be the erection of the canvas roofing and (attention to) general external aesthetics.”
It said close to R200 million had been budgeted for refurbishing and renovating the stadium in the 2022/2023 financial year.
The municipality added that last week the city’s executive council had approved a R1 million payment in a form of a sponsorship for the Richards Bay Football Club, which is currently playing in the DStv Premiership.
“The city is extremely proud of the astounding performance by the Richards Bay Football Club, as the team is currently No 2 on the DStv Premiership log.”
Ngwezi said the city was investing in refurbishing the stadium so that the “Natal Rich Boys”, as the side is known, will be able to play its home games in Richards Bay.
“Having the Natal Rich Boys playing here at home will go a long way in enhancing our local economy, as we expect lots of soccer lovers to come in numbers to watch the soccer, and that will definitely mean more spending from them.”
The work on the stadium is expected to be completed by March 2023.