Richards Bay coach Ronnie Gabriel is on the brink of what could be one of the biggest milestones of his coaching career — guiding the Natal Rich Boyz to their first-ever domestic final as they face Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Having climbed through the ranks of South African football, winning league titles from the lower divisions up to the professional ranks, Gabriel admits this competition holds a special place in his heart.
The 48-year-old tactician has achieved almost everything in local football — except lifting a top-flight trophy — and this weekend represents a golden opportunity to complete that journey.
“Personally, as a coach, I’ve coached at all levels, won all the leagues in South Africa from the lower leagues and came into the top flight,” Gabriel reflected. “I’m still to win a trophy at this level, so it would be a monumental achievement. It’s the type of thing we live for — to come into the highest level of football in South Africa and win a trophy.”
Richards Bay have already made headlines in this competition, having eliminated Pirates at the same stage of the Carling Knockout Cup back in 2023. Now, with the spotlight on them once again, Gabriel believes his players are ready for another statement performance.
“It’s going to be a glamorous occasion, and we want that. I also want to be a coach that wins trophies at this level,” he added. “Until I lift a trophy, I don’t think I can explain that feeling.”
Gabriel hinted that his side could field an aggressive front line against Pirates, with veteran forwards Knox Mutizwa and Gabadinho Mhango likely to start together once again following their recent resurgence in form.
“Knox and Mhango — we’ve been playing them together recently, and they’ve been forming some kind of combination, and it’s looking great,” he said. “If you have those two up front, they can hold their own against any defenders, as we’ve seen already. So maybe we might consider playing them together on the day.”
Alongside his players, Gabriel also credited the influence of his co-coach Papi Zothwane, whose experience in cup competitions continues to play a key role in Richards Bay’s tactical and psychological preparation.
“Yes, we’ve also got coach Papi Zothwane on our bench,” Gabriel noted. “He played a big role in Magesi’s triumph last year, so he knows what it takes to win these types of games. He brings in that calming influence that we need, as well as the intelligence to progress us.
“So far, it has worked majestically for us, and we hope it continues and takes us through to the final.”
For Gabriel and Richards Bay, Saturday isn’t just another semi-final — it’s a chance to make history, silence the giants, and perhaps begin a new chapter for a club steadily carving its identity among South Africa’s elite.
