Pietermaritzburg football followers could be in line for a welcome return to top-flight action at Harry Gwala Stadium, with AmaZulu considering the venue for selected Betway Premiership matches this season.
The possibility of bringing professional football back to the city has been discussed behind closed doors between Durban-based AmaZulu, the Msunduzi Municipality and Safa uMgungundlovu.
AmaZulu have confirmed that they are exploring the option of taking some of their home fixtures to Harry Gwala, while also spreading their matches across several venues in and around Durban.
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The venues being considered include Sugar Ray Xulu
The venues being considered include Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont, Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi and Hollywoodbets Kings Park Rugby Stadium.
AmaZulu are officially based at Moses Mabhida Stadium and Hollywoodbets Kings Park Rugby Stadium, but the club’s growing support base in the uMgungundlovu District has prompted the move to consider Pietermaritzburg.
AmaZulu chairperson Sandile Zungu said: “So, going to Pietermaritzburg is still in talks. We have even spoken to the people there; we can play two or three games in a season. I know they also have a stadium that they wouldn’t like to see turning a white elephant while we also have fans there and areas in and around.”
According to AmaZulu PRO Philani Ndlela, Harry Gwala
According to AmaZulu PRO Philani Ndlela, Harry Gwala Stadium is already listed as one of the club’s venues for the current season. “This strategic move is specifically designed to accommodate regional supporters and bring professional top-flight football back to the local communities,” said Ndlela.
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The return of professional football would fill a significant void in Pietermaritzburg following the departure of Durban City, formerly Maritzburg United, and the relegation of Royal AM.
The most recent professional side to use Harry Gwala Stadium was a Motsepe Foundation Championship (NFD) team, but the venue was subsequently affected by maintenance challenges.
Msunduzi Municipality Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla confirmed
Msunduzi Municipality Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla confirmed that the matter is on the municipality’s radar, but said a formal decision would have to come through council. “We will be discussing that item at our next Exco. Huge possibility, but we need a council resolution,” said Thebolla.
Safa uMgungundlovu regional executive officer Makhetha Mzimela also confirmed to The Witness that discussions were taking place, although they are “not yet formal”. However, getting professional football back to Harry Gwala will not be straightforward.
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The Msunduzi Municipality will have to satisfy the Premier Soccer League (PSL), which has previously raised concerns about the stadium, while several maintenance issues will also have to be addressed.The playing surface is likely to be one of the biggest hurdles.
For now, there is no formal agreement,
For now, there is no formal agreement, but if AmaZulu, Msunduzi Municipality, Safa and the PSL can get on the same page, Pietermaritzburg could once again have a taste of professional football at Harry Gwala Stadium.
The last time the stadium hosted a topflight game was in on December 29, 2014 when the now-defunct Royal AM faced-off with TS Galaxy.
The stadium previously gained a lot of traction for hosting the famous “late Friday night games at Harry Gwala Stadium” with Maritzburg United, which has since relocated to Durban.
Source: witness.co.za
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