Kings return 'home'

NEWS: The Southern Kings will return 'home' to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium when their Pro14 campaign resumes next month.

The Southern Kings Board, in conjunction with the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium operator, the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA), confirmed that an agreement has been signed by the two entities which will see the large majority of the Eastern Cape franchise's Pro14 matches back at the NMB Stadium for the upcoming 2019/20 season.

The Kings had been playing their games at Madibaz Stadium on the Nelson Mandela University campus, following clashed with the Mandela Bay Development Agency over the signing of a new anchor tenant agreement.

The matter was resolved, following detailed discussions between the Kings, NMB Stadium management, the MBDA and Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.

The Greatest Rugby Company, the majority shareholder in the Southern Kings, had made it clear from the onset that they were intent on making the NMB Stadium the home venue for all Southern Kings home fixtures.

"We are very excited about the renewal of the partnership between the Southern Kings and the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium," Southern Kings Chairman Loyiso Dotwana said.

"We are looking forward to a mutually beneficial relationship.

"We trust that the rugby-loving public will flock back in their numbers to watch our new-look side that is already showing plenty of promise.

"The Eastern Cape rugby followers are known for bringing an electric atmosphere to stadia, and we are confident we will once again experience that great vibe through their support.

"The NMB Stadium is a world-class facility which hosts quality events and also remains the training venue and administrative home where the offices of the franchise are based. So it is only logical that a competition of international stature and quality like the Pro14 which will bring top-class European clubs and international players to our own backyard.

"We could also not have asked for a better start to our new season than playing our opening three matches at home. We hope to see the people of the Eastern Cape filling this stadium when we take on Cardiff Blues, Munster and Ulster in those matches, and also for the rest of our home matches."

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium Manager, Mpho Mokonyama said: "We welcome the Southern Kings back to the NMB Stadium as we prepare for the 2019/2020 Pro14 season.

"As a collective, we are in the business of sports entertainment and ensuring that we bring attractive events to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and the entire Metropole at large. Moreover, with the imminent return of the Southern Kings to the NMB Stadium, there is diversity and a new sporting dimension added to our busy Stadium yearly calendar.

"The addition of the rugby fixtures into our calendar will create excitement and ensure that the rugby-loving community will be thoroughly entertained at our venue. We fully support the team and their