Pantev targets first Richards Bay wins as he awaits PSL debut

Dimitar Pantev says he is determined to establish himself in the Betway Premiership with Richards Bay, despite needing more time to introduce his footballing philosophy to the club.

The Bulgarian was appointed as Ronnie Gabriel’s replacement a few weeks ago but has yet to take his place in the dugout while he waits for a work permit. He only arrived at the KwaZulu-Natal club last month, with the season already under way.

“I have high expectations,” Pantev said.

“This is a big challenge for me, being here in one of Africa’s toughest leagues. Everyone wants to compete, and any team can lose to anyone, so it’s also a challenge for me to prove myself at this level.”

Richards Bay and Marumo Gallants are the only two teams yet to win in the Betway Premiership this season. The Natal Boys have collected three points from eight matches, drawing three and losing five.

Pantev believes a sequence of victories would help restore confidence in a young squad whose belief has been affected by the poor run.

“Step by step, firstly, I want to correct our performances. We need to win some matches in a row and boost our confidence. It’s normal for a young squad that, when the results are not forthcoming, psychologically, they become weak,” said the 50-year-old.

The former coach of clubs in Cameroon, Botswana and Tanzania acknowledged that adapting to a new team and environment could not happen immediately.

“We trust the process. Football is a process,” he said.

“It’s not easy to come when the season has already started. I didn’t have a say in the players that were signed; most of these guys are new to me, and they need time to adapt to my philosophy, and I also need time to adapt to the new environment.

“I am happy with what I’ve seen so far … the players are responding well to what I am teaching them. The recent international break also helped us a lot because it was three weeks.”

Richards Bay are expected to have Pantev’s work permit in place before their Carling Knockout first-round match against Sekhukhune United at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off at 6pm.

Carling Knockout fixtures

Saturday: Arrows v Chippa, King Zwelithini, 3pm; Polokwane v Siwelele, 6pm.

Sunday: Kruger v AmaZulu, Mbombela, 3pm; Sekhukhune v Richards Bay, Peter Mokaba, 6pm.

Tuesday: Sundowns v Marumo, Loftus Versfeld, 7pm; Chiefs v Galaxy, FNB, 7pm; Pirates v Milford, Orlando, 7pm.