Gabriel confident Richards Bay can thrive after Zothwane exit

Richards Bay coach Ronnie Gabriel says the departure of Papi Zothwane will not disrupt the club’s ambitions in the Betway Premiership, with the side targeting a top-eight finish this season.

Zothwane has left Richards Bay to become assistant coach to Cedric Kaze at Sekhukhune United. Gabriel is now in charge as the club’s sole mentor after the pair worked together during a campaign that ended with Richards Bay finishing 11th.

Despite losing his former coaching colleague, Gabriel believes the team has enough continuity to build on last season’s work.

“We worked very well when he was with us,” Gabriel told the media. “However, having said that, Richards Bay Football Club has a distinct game model. We’ve got a distinct philosophy and our own blueprint for this season.

“So for us as a technical team, it’s about continuity. It’s about getting better at what we did last season and improving on the different aspects of our game.

“When you look at the squad, about 90% of the players are still here from last season. So we have the advantage of continuity.

“There isn’t much that needs to change. It’s about maintaining the synergy within the team and continuing to improve from where we left off last season.

“As the technical team, we always appreciated the contribution and wisdom that Papi brought to the club, and we’re grateful for everything he did. But it’s a new season now, and it’s up to us to stand tall and continue growing as a club.”

Richards Bay will begin their league campaign at home against Polokwane City at Richards Bay Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.

The Natal Rich Boyz narrowly missed out on a place in the top eight last season, and Gabriel has identified their away form as a key area for improvement.

“We are looking forward to the season. It allows us to improve on last season’s log standings. We felt like last season we missed an opportunity to get into the top eight.

“Maybe improve on our away record and pick up some good points away from home. Be more consistent away from home and turn those draws into victories.

“That’s what we will be looking to improve this season and we feel if we can do that, it can get us into the top eight and continue to make our home venue hard for opponents to come and get points.”

Gabriel said Richards Bay’s objective would be to become more consistent on the road while making better use of their home advantage. Turning away draws into wins, he believes, could provide the difference in their bid to improve on last season’s league position.

The club will therefore start the new campaign with a familiar squad and a clear plan, despite the change to its technical team.