Richards Bay appoint Dimitar Pantev as new head coach on one-year deal

Richards Bay FC have appointed Dimitar Pantev as their new head coach following the departure of Ronnie Gabriel.

The 50-year-old has agreed a one-year contract with an option to renew as the Natal Rich Boyz attempt to stabilise their season after a difficult start to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign.

Gabriel left the KwaZulu-Natal club last week. Richards Bay said he had resigned, prompting the search for a replacement.

Several candidates were considered during the process, including former TS Galaxy coach Adnan Beganovic and former Marumo Gallants manager Phuti Mohafe. The club have now opted for Pantev, who brings experience from across African football.

“Richards Bay Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Dimitar Nokolaev Pantev as the Head Coach. He has signed for One (1) season with an option to renew,” the club said.

“Coach Dimitar brings wealth of experience having coached clubs like Simba SC from Tanzania, Jwaneng Galaxy from Botswana and Gaborone United from Botswana.”

Pantev holds a UEFA A License and has worked in Tanzania and Botswana during his coaching career. He previously managed Simba SC, Jwaneng Galaxy and Gaborone United, among other clubs.

His record includes helping Simba SC reach the CAF Champions League group stages in 2025. In 2024, he guided ORAPA United FC into the CAF Confederation Cup group stages.

Pantev also led Jwaneng Galaxy to the National Cup in the 2025/26 season and helped Gaborone United win the Botswana league in 2024/25.

Gumede’s interim spell ends

Assistant coach Siboniso Gumede took temporary charge after Gabriel’s departure and remained in the dugout for Richards Bay’s most recent match.

Gumede oversaw Saturday’s 3-2 defeat by Sekhukhune United, but Pantev will now assume responsibility as Richards Bay seek to recover from their early-season difficulties.

The appointment brings an end to the club’s immediate search for a permanent successor to Gabriel, with Pantev now tasked with guiding the side through the remainder of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.