Kaizer Chiefs’ Betway Premiership match against Richards Bay on 26 August has been moved from Moses Mabhida Stadium to the smaller Princess Magogo Stadium.
Richards Bay confirmed the venue change, saying the fixture had been relocated because of “unforeseen circumstances”. The match had originally been scheduled to take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The switch could work in Richards Bay’s favour, while representing a setback for Kaizer Chiefs, who have enjoyed a strong record at Moses Mabhida Stadium in recent seasons. Playing at Princess Magogo Stadium is likely to give the Natal Rich Boys a greater sense of home advantage.
Richards Bay have developed a reputation for producing impressive performances on their own ground, especially when facing some of the bigger teams in the Betway Premiership. Their previous home venue, Richards Bay Stadium, was particularly difficult for visiting sides last season.
One of the club’s notable results there was a victory over Kaizer Chiefs, underlining the challenge that awaits the Glamour Boys when the teams meet later this month.
Richards Bay will not be able to return to their usual home ground in the foreseeable future because Richards Bay Stadium is undergoing maintenance. Princess Magogo Stadium could therefore become the club’s temporary base and a new fortress as they attempt to trouble teams from the north.
Chiefs will be the first major test at the venue on 26 August.
The Soweto club are not in action this weekend after being eliminated from the MTN8. Their focus will now be on the Betway Premiership, where they sit second in the standings, behind Orlando Pirates only on goal difference.
That position gives Kaizer Chiefs an added incentive to secure three points against Richards Bay. With their new signings making an immediate impact, the club have started to look like a markedly different side from the teams seen in previous seasons.
For Richards Bay, the fixture offers an opportunity to build momentum at a new home venue and repeat the type of result they achieved against Chiefs at Richards Bay Stadium last season. The Natal Rich Boys have shown that they can compete with the league’s leading sides, particularly when given the benefit of familiar surroundings.
Kaizer Chiefs will therefore have to adapt quickly to the change in setting as they resume their league campaign. The move away from Moses Mabhida Stadium removes a venue where they have performed well, while Richards Bay will hope the atmosphere at Princess Magogo Stadium helps them make the most of their home advantage.
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