Adnan Beganovic nears Richards Bay return as Ronnie Gabriel comes under pressure

Adnan Beganovic is close to becoming the new head coach of Richards Bay, with negotiations between the former TS Galaxy manager and the Betway Premiership club understood to be at an advanced stage.

Richards Bay are considering a change in the dugout after a difficult start to the 2026/27 campaign, with Ronnie Gabriel facing growing pressure following the team’s latest result.

“Negotiations are at an advanced stage,” a source told the Siya crew.

A final agreement has not yet been reached, and discussions over the details of Beganovic’s contract are continuing. However, the 43-year-old is understood to be a leading candidate and could soon take charge of the KwaZulu-Natal club.

The move would bring Beganovic back to Mzansi’s top flight only a few months after his departure from TS Galaxy. He and the club mutually agreed to part ways in April after a disappointing run of league results.

Galaxy’s difficulties in the league came during a season in which they made significant progress in the Nedbank Cup. Beganovic guided the side to the final before leaving the club, while the team eventually lost the decider to Durban City under Bernard Parker.

Beganovic’s potential appointment comes as Richards Bay continue to search for their first league victory of the season. The club have played six matches in the 2026/27 campaign without winning any of them.

They have drawn three games and lost three, leaving them with three points from a possible 18. That record places Richards Bay 14th in the league table.

The pressure on Gabriel increased after Sunday’s 5-1 defeat by newly promoted Milford FC. The heavy loss has prompted the club to examine alternative options in the dugout.

Beganovic is among the coaches being considered by Richards Bay, with negotiations having progressed significantly. The club’s next steps will depend on whether the remaining discussions can produce a final agreement.