Richards Bay have moved swiftly to end any speculation around their technical team, confirming that coaches Ronnie Gabriel, along with assistants Papi Zothwane and Siboniso Gumede, will remain in charge beyond the 2024/25 season.
This follows the Natal Rich Boyz officially securing their Premiership status for next season with a game to spare – a significant achievement for a club that spent most of the campaign flirting with relegation.
With 30 points after 27 matches, Richards Bay now sit in 11th place, out of reach of the danger zone regardless of what happens in their final fixture against SuperSport United on Saturday (3pm start).
It’s been a season of instability and recovery.
The club began the campaign under Brandon Truter, who was appointed in August 2024, but lasted only three months.
His exit in November forced the club to recalibrate, handing the reins to Gabriel, previously a long-serving member of the technical team.
He was joined by Zothwane and Gumede to form a new coaching trio.
#KnowYourOwner is back!
Watch to learn who owns Richards Bay FC and where the money comes from👇🏽pic.twitter.com/8UO0UWB9Sq
— Cash N Sport (@CashNSport) May 11, 2025
The reshuffle brought just enough grit and resilience to keep the club afloat – a fact the club is now keen to build on.
“Richards Bay Football Club would like to categorically state that the club is not looking for any coach,” the club said in a statement this week.
“Our coaches, namely, Ronnie Gabriel, Papi Zothwane, and Siboniso Gumede, remain our coaches, and we are looking to continue our working relationship with them. They continue to be in the club’s plans.
“The club would further like to thank them for their dedication in improving the team, and achieving an improved league standing.”
Richards Bay FC has confirmed they are not looking for a new coach, the club has backed Ronnie Gabriel, Papi Zothwane and Siboniso Gumede to continue with the club next season. #BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/OmngduUqzO
— Ayanda Nyuswa (@atnyuswa) May 22, 2025
It’s not the first time the KZN side have flirted with relegation – just last season, they survived via the PSL Promotion/Relegation Playoffs.
But this time, they’ve done enough in regulation time.
A run of solid results in recent weeks, including wins over Chippa United and Polokwane City, helped them edge away from the drop.
While performances have remained inconsistent, the squad showed enough resolve to get the job done.
Saturday’s game against SuperSport now carries far less pressure for Richards Bay, but it will serve as a valuable opportunity to build momentum heading into the off-season.
For Gabriel, Zothwane and Gumede, it’s a moment of quiet vindication – and confirmation that their future at the club is secure.
