AHEAD of the impending National First Division soccer season, the main football field at the Central Sports Complex in Richards Bay is being carefully prepared.
The surface has been scarified and is being fertilised and manicured ahead of a new attempt to attain PSL status for Richards Bay FC.
However, the physical state of the stadium itself is still far below the standard required by SAFA and there remains a real threat of the venue being declared unacceptable and games being cancelled.
The stadium has steadily deteriorated since it was hurriedly built ahead of the 2010 World Cup, when Richards Bay was used as a base for the Nigerian squad.
Plastic spectator seats and player shelters have cracked and broken through exposure to the severe climatic conditions.
Vandalism has played a major part and broken glass panes and wrecked toilets add to the general dismal appearance – but the biggest problem is dozens of leaks that flood the offices and change rooms after heavy rains.
The interior of the stadium building is a nightmare for the NRB side and their opponents in the event of rain, with electrocutions a distinct possibility as water runs through lights and plugs.
Club officials are hoping these issues will also be attended with urgency.
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