Richards Bay confident Zothwane exit will not derail top-eight push

Richards Bay coach Ronnie Gabriel says the departure of former co-coach Papi Zothwane will not disrupt the club’s plans for the new Betway Premiership season.

Zothwane has left Richards Bay to become assistant coach to Cedric Kaze at Sekhukhune United, leaving Gabriel as the club’s sole mentor.

Gabriel acknowledged the pair had worked effectively together as Richards Bay secured an 11th-place finish last season. However, he believes the club’s established playing model and the continuity within the squad will allow the Natal Rich Boyz to build on that campaign.

“We worked very well when he was with us,” Gabriel told the media. “However, having said that, Richards Bay Football Club has a distinct game model. We’ve got a distinct philosophy and our own blueprint for this season.

“So for us as a technical team, it’s about continuity. It’s about getting better at what we did last season and improving on the different aspects of our game.”

Richards Bay have retained about 90% of last season’s players, which Gabriel believes will help the team maintain its understanding and improve without needing major changes.

“When you look at the squad, about 90% of the players are still here from last season. So we have the advantage of continuity. There isn’t much that needs to change. It’s about maintaining the synergy within the team and continuing to improve from where we left off last season.

“As the technical team, we always appreciated the contribution and wisdom that Papi brought to the club, and we’re grateful for everything he did. But it’s a new season now and it’s up to us to stand tall and continue growing as a club.”

Richards Bay begin their league campaign at home against Polokwane City at Richards Bay Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.

The club’s main objective is to improve on last season’s league position and secure a place in the top eight. Gabriel said the team had been disappointed after failing to take advantage of its opportunity to finish among the leading sides last term.

“We are looking forward to the upcoming season. It allows us to improve on last season’s log standings. We felt like last season we missed an opportunity to get into the top eight.”

Improving their results away from home will be a particular focus. Gabriel wants Richards Bay to collect more points on their travels, become more consistent and convert some of the draws they recorded last season into wins.

“Maybe improve on our away record, pick up some good points away from home. Be more consistent away from home and turn those draws into victories.

“That’s what we will be looking to improve this season and we feel if we can do that, it can get us into the top eight and continue to make our home venue hard for opponents to come and get points.”

Richards Bay will therefore begin the season with a familiar squad and a clear aim: to strengthen their away form while preserving the resilience that made Richards Bay Stadium a difficult venue for visiting teams last season.