 Bay United’s playing ground crisis has been resolved – for now.
Two weeks ago the Eastern Cape’s only professional football team was dealt a serious blow when it emerged that Motherwell’s NU2 Stadium, which was going to host Bay United’s remaining fixtures, did not meet specified Professional Soccer League (PSL) standards.
The municipality had not done any of the repair work that it had promised to undertake, while the Westbourne Oval stadium, which had been the club ‘s home ground for the most part of the current season, was no longer available due to pre-scheduled athletics commitments.
A frantic, last minute search for a suitable venue ensued and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality pointed Bay United in the direction of the EPRU Stadium, the municipality-owned facility currently being run by the Eastern Province Rugby Union.
“EPRU THE ONLY SUITABLE FACILITY AVAILABLE”
The EPRU was Bay United’s home ground last season but its an open secret that there was no love lost between the soccer club and the rugby union.
In their analysis of the factors that led to the team being relegated last season, Bay United maintained that the exorbitant amounts the rugby union charged for the stadium forced the club to divert significant resources from where it mattered and thereby compromised the Umlilo’s ability to retain its Premier League status.
Despite their reservations, Bay United last week agreed with municipality that the rugby union should be approached again. Not only was the EPRU not booked on the days of the soccer club’s remaining two fixtures, it was further highlighted, it was also the only facility that the PSL would approve immediately.
The rugby union was therefore engaged.
“SORRY, YOU CAN’T PLAY HERE”
A terse response from the rugby union’s CEO, Anele Pamba, caught everyone by surprise.
It read: “Both the A and B fields at the EPRU Stadium are currently being used by the EP Rugby team, and when not in use, the fields are being prepared for our upcoming season to ensure sustainability. Please note that with immediate effect, Bay United is not permitted to use these fields.”
When he got wind of the response, rugby union president Cheeky Watson immediately overruled his CEO – but apparently not before the municipality, through one of its officials Vuyani Limba, had some serious talk with the rugby leadership.
BAY UNITED’S CRUCIAL TWO GAMES
Now occupying the coveted number one spot on the NFD coastal stream log after beating Hannover Park at the weekend, all Bay United have to do now to guarantee themselves a place in promotional play offs is win their next two games.
In the first match they’re up against Free State outfit Carara Kicks this coming Saturday. In the second they’ll be squaring up against KwaZulu-Natal’s Thanda Royal Zulu the following Saturday February 13. | 
