Richards Bay shortlist Mohafe and Beganovic as Gabriel faces uncertain future

Richards Bay have identified Phuti Mohafe and Adnan Beganovic as leading candidates to become their next head coach, with pressure mounting on Ronnie Gabriel after a difficult start to the new campaign.

Gabriel is increasingly likely to lose his position at the club. He took charge after the departure of Papi Zothwane, alongside whom he worked as co-head coach during the 2025/26 season, before securing the role on a permanent basis.

Richards Bay have yet to win in the current campaign, recording three draws and three defeats. Their latest result increased the scrutiny on Gabriel, as they were beaten 5-1 by Premiership newcomers Milford at the weekend.

Mohafe was considered an early front-runner for the position at Richards Bay. He recently left Marumo Gallants after only five matches in charge, having joined the club following three successful seasons with Polokwane City, where he helped establish the side in the league after winning promotion.

The former Gallants coach is not the only candidate under consideration, however. Sources within Richards Bay have confirmed that the club has also made contact with Beganovic, who departed TS Galaxy towards the end of last season after guiding the team to the Nedbank Cup final.

Talks between Richards Bay and Beganovic’s representatives are understood to have progressed well. Despite that, other contenders remain in the frame should the club decide to replace Gabriel before the next FIFA International break.

Richards Bay’s possible change in the technical team would continue a period of coaching upheaval in the Premiership. As reported by the iDiski Times e-paper on Tuesday, the club could follow Sekhukhune United, Marumo Gallants and Siwelele in making a change in the dugout.

The situation is particularly significant for the teams at the bottom of the table, with Marumo Gallants and Siwelele both occupying places in the bottom three alongside the Kwa-Zulu Natal-based Richards Bay.

Gabriel’s potential dismissal would bring an early end to his spell as the club’s head coach, following his promotion to the role after working with Zothwane. Richards Bay must now decide whether to retain him through the upcoming international break or appoint a successor from a shortlist that includes Mohafe and Beganovic.