Richards Bay – City of uMhlathuze Mayor Xolani Ngwezi has said the municipality still has clear plans to extend the uMhlathuze Sports Complex so it can one day accommodate 25 000 spectators. He made the remarks despite ongoing challenges at the facility.

Speaking during an appearance on the KZN Tonight Podcast, Mayor Ngwezi acknowledged that the stadium continues to face difficulties. He noted, however, that the city remains committed to improving the complex. Part of the plan includes putting up a shelter over the stands and gradually increasing the seating capacity.

The sports complex already underwent a major upgrade in 2025. At that time the capacity was raised from about 4 000 seats to roughly 10 500. The work included better grandstands, improved change rooms, new parking, upgraded lighting and a better pitch surface. The aim was to bring the venue up to Premier Soccer League standards so local teams could use it regularly.

Richards Bay FC and Milford FC have used the ground as their home stadium. The facility has also hosted other matches and events. Mayor Ngwezi has previously said the investment is already bringing benefits to the city by keeping more football activity in Richards Bay and supporting the local economy.

In the latest update, the mayor indicated that the long-term goal is a much larger venue that can hold 25 000 people. He said the municipality wants the complex to grow further so it can host bigger games and attract more visitors. He stressed that these plans remain in place even while the city deals with current challenges at the stadium.

The announcement comes as the City of uMhlathuze continues to focus on sports development and infrastructure in the Richards Bay area. Local officials see the complex as an important asset for both football and community events. Mayor Ngwezi’s comments suggest the municipality is looking beyond the recent upgrades and still aims for a significantly larger stadium in the future.

Residents and football fans in the region will be watching to see how and when the next phase of work moves forward. For now, the mayor has made it clear that the plan to expand the uMhlathuze Sports Complex to 25 000 seats is still very much alive.

Source: https://x.com/ZANewsFlash/status/2113946966782513379