The decision by AmaZulu to play some of their home matches at King Zwelithini Stadium has angered Richards Bay officials, who view it as an encroachment on their territory.

Usuthu will share the uMlazi-based stadium with Bay, a move that has not been well-received by the latter, who consider it their home ground. Despite AmaZulu’s previous use of the venue under the Sokhela family, Bay is unhappy with the arrangement as they are playing there for close to four seasons now.

Last season, when Moses Mabhida Stadium was unavailable due to pitch damage, AmaZulu hosted Mamelodi Sundowns (lost 1-0) and Sekhukhune United (won 1-0) at King Zwelithini Stadium. They also defeated Royal AM there in the Nedbank Cup last 32.

This season, Usuthu has scheduled more league matches and potential cup ties at King Zwelithini Stadium, further escalating tensions with Bay officials, who have expressed their displeasure to Sportswire.

However, AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu justified the decision, explaining that King Zwelithini Stadium is their designated secondary venue as required by PSL regulations. All clubs must have backup stadiums to accommodate unforeseen circumstances at their primary venues.

“Most of our home games are at Moses Mabhida Stadium, and our second choice is King Zwelithini Stadium,” Zungu said on Around The Ground Programme on SuperSport TV. “We are committed to playing some of our games there, but our primary venue is Moses Mabhida.”

AmaZulu has struggled to fill Moses Mabhida Stadium, with some critics blaming the club’s signing policy. The appointment of Vusi Vilakazi as DStv Diski Challenge coach, shortly after his release by Richards Bay, added another layer of complexity to the relationship between the two clubs.