National First Division (NFD) oufit, Royal Eagles are contemplating snubbing Harry Gwala Stadium for SJ Smith Stadium in Wema in Durban.
Eagles were utilising King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi before relocating to Maritzburg two seasons ago. The club owner, Shawn Mpisane, has confirmed that the club is considering moving their home matches to Durban. Eagles are currently sharing Harry Gwala Stadium with Absa Premiership side, Maritzburg United.
“We are currently in negotiations of relocating to Wema. Eagles is from Lamontville. It is very important to bring the team back to their roots. We are still in discussions with Ethekwini Municipality about getting the permission to play our home matches at SJ Smith Stadium," co-owner Shauwn Mpisane explained.
UThongathi FC are currently using Princess Magogo Stadium as their home base. Real Kings are based at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont while Richards Bay FC are at Umhlathuze Sports Complex in Richards Bay.
Eagles endured torrid times last season as they were dragged into the relegation battle but survived to keep their NFD status.
“We’ve already engaged the PSL about our desire to move to Wema. We are waiting for Professor Ronnie Schloss to come and inspect the ground. He will then give us a guideline about the state of the ground. Together with the municipality we are prepared to do the renovations."
KwaZulu-Natal have seven teams that are competing at the professional level. They have four teams (Eagles, Kings, UThongathi and Richards Bay FC) that are campaigning in the National First Division and three (Lamontville Golden, AmaZulu and Maritzburg United) that are plying their trade in top flight football.
Ethekwini Municipality heads of Parks, Recreation and Culture, Thembinkosi Ngcobo confirmed that they have received the request from Eagles to stage their home matches at SJ Smith Stadium.
“Yes, it is true that we are in talks with Royal Eagles. They have indicated that they want to play their home matches at SJ Smith Stadium. The talks are at an early stage. It is a good thing that our teams in the province want to make use of the best infrastructure that we do possess,” Ngcobo said.