Pantev’s first Richards Bay test will be champions Sundowns

Richards Bay will use the FIFA international break to prepare for newly appointed head coach Dimitar Nikolaev Pantev’s first match in charge, with champions Mamelodi Sundowns awaiting them on 13 October.

The 50-year-old Bulgarian was unveiled on Monday after signing a one-season contract with an option to renew. He replaces Ronnie Gabriel, who resigned after Richards Bay began the 2026/27 domestic campaign without a win.

Richards Bay, also known as the Natal Rich Boyz, are 14th in the Betway Premiership after collecting three points from their first seven fixtures. They have drawn three matches and lost four, scoring nine goals and conceding 16.

Pantev’s immediate task during the two-week league break will be to bring greater tactical clarity and defensive organisation to the KwaZulu-Natal side. Although results have been poor, Richards Bay have shown promising spells in matches against Kaizer Chiefs, Durban City and Chippa United.

The club’s next fixture will provide a demanding introduction for the new coach, with Richards Bay hosting Mamelodi Sundowns when the league resumes.

Pantev holds a UEFA A Licence and arrives with experience of managing in several African competitions. He led Tanzanian club Simba SC to the 2025 CAF Champions League group stages and guided Botswana’s Orapa United into the 2024 CAF Confederation League group phase.

He has also won domestic silverware in Botswana in recent seasons. Pantev secured the 2024/25 Botswana Premier League title with Gaborone United before lifting the 2025/26 National Cup with Jwaneng Galaxy FC.

Richards Bay’s management believe his experience across African football can help turn encouraging performances into results and move the club away from the relegation zone.

The appointment comes after a difficult opening to the season, with the side yet to record a victory despite taking points from three matches. Pantev will therefore have the international window to work with his squad before facing one of the leading teams in the Betway Premiership.