Richards Bay name interim coaching team after Ronnie Gabriel resignation

Richards Bay have appointed Jomo Gumede and Sbusiso Msomi to lead the team on an interim basis following Ronnie Gabriel’s resignation, SABC Sport understands.

The pair will take charge of Saturday’s Betway Premiership meeting with Sekhukhune United as the Natal Rich Boys continue their search for a permanent head coach.

Richards Bay hope to announce Gabriel’s successor during the upcoming FIFA international break. Until then, Gumede and Msomi will oversee first-team affairs as the club attempts to recover from a difficult opening to the season.

The club have yet to record a victory in their first six matches of the campaign. They have taken three points from three draws and are currently just above the relegation zone.

Gumede worked as Gabriel’s assistant and will now be joined by Msomi, who has been responsible for the reserve team. The two coaches have been temporarily promoted to manage the senior side.

Their first test will come at Princess Magogo Stadium against Sekhukhune United, with Richards Bay seeking the three points that would represent their first win of the campaign.

The match also comes during a period of change for Sekhukhune. Babina Noko recently ended their association with Cedric Kaze and have appointed Papi Zothwane as interim coach.

Zothwane will lead Sekhukhune into Saturday’s fixture, with the visitors currently occupying eighth place in the Betway Premiership standings.

Richards Bay are third from bottom, meaning both teams will view the meeting as an opportunity to halt difficult runs of form. The Natal Rich Boys, however, face the added challenge of adapting to a new temporary coaching structure after Gabriel’s departure.

The immediate focus for Gumede and Msomi will be to provide stability and guide Richards Bay towards a first league victory, while the club’s hierarchy works to finalise a permanent replacement in the coming days.