Richards Bay dismiss Dimitar Pantev after 46 days in charge

Richards Bay have parted company with coach Dimitar Pantev after just 46 days, leaving the KwaZulu-Natal club searching for a new manager.

The Bulgarian confirmed his departure on Friday after his brief spell in charge of the Natal Rich Boyz.

“Yes, it’s true,” Pantev told Soccer Laduma when asked whether he had been relieved of his duties. He declined to comment further.

Pantev officially replaced Ronnie Gabriel on 21 September, but oversaw only three matches during his time with Richards Bay.

His first game ended in a 4-1 defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns in the first round of the Carling Knockout. Richards Bay then lost 3-1 to Sekhukhune United in the league before suffering the same scoreline against Kruger United.

The former Simba SC coach leaves the club at the bottom of the league table. Richards Bay are also the only team yet to record a league victory this season, increasing the pressure on the club after a difficult start to the campaign.

The club has not yet announced Pantev’s replacement and is assessing its options.

Initial reports have suggested Richards Bay could look at a reunion involving former coaches Pitso Dladla and Ronnie Gabriel, potentially with the pair working as co-coaches.

Both men are currently unattached. Dladla was dismissed by Golden Arrows, while Gabriel has remained without a club since leaving Richards Bay to make way for Pantev.

Former Polokwane City and Marumo Gallants coach Phuti Mohafe has also been reported as a possible candidate for the vacancy.

Richards Bay are additionally linked with Simo Dladla, although he remains at Young Africans. Dladla worked as assistant coach at the Tanzanian club under Manqoba Mngqithi and later took temporary charge.

Young Africans announced Fadlu Davids as their head coach late on Friday, ending Dladla’s interim spell in charge.

Richards Bay’s next appointment will come with the club needing an immediate change in results after three defeats under Pantev and a winless league campaign to date.