Richards Bay boss admits huge financial loss for playing in Durban

SABC Sport understands that the club has been spending close to R500K a month which includes traveling from Richards Bay to eThekwini.

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Biyela admits being affected financially due to travel, renting the venue and accommodation.

"Well, it really affected us because we stay in Richards Bay and train in Empangeni [10 km from Richards Bay]. So, since we were playing on Saturday we arrived here on Friday, train Saturday morning, then play during the day and travel back to Richards Bay," Biyela said.

"So, we are exactly the same as people who are playing away from home and that is costly for the club including hiring a venue. We don't have any formal relationship with eThekwini Municipality because we are not from here. So, the venue hire is an unnecessary expense that we could avoid if we play in Richards Bay."

Last week SABC Sport spoke to the King Cetshwayo Mayor Thami Ntuli to get clarity on the delay of the revamping of Umhlathuze Sports Complex which has forced Richards Bay to play all their home games in Durban for two years.

The Natal Rich Boys’ boss has confirmed that as of December they will officially return home.

"We also know that we will return to uMhlathuze Sports Complex in December and we are happy because we won't be playing in January because of the AFCON. So, that gives us enough time to prepare to play at uMhlathuze Sports Complex because we will still have probably seven games to play,” Biyela added.

“Another important thing to note is we are exactly the same as people who are playing away in as much as we have been treated well here in uMlazi. So, we play away on a weekly basis. Every week we play away and playing away while we have fans in Richards Bay who can't afford to travel to Durban is not right. Also, the sense of belonging, people identify themselves with the team, so playing away has really affected us."