Bay Show Faith In The Coaching Trio To Continue

Richards Bay has confirmed that Papi Zothwane, Ronnie Gabriel, and Siboniso Gumede will continue as co-coaches for next season, with the club explicitly stating they are not seeking any new coaching staff.

The trio has successfully guided the KwaZulu-Natal club to finish outside the relegation zone, allowing them to play their final match of the season against SuperSport United at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday with less pressure.

Sifiso Biyela’s side has accumulated 30 points from 27 matches this season, placing them four points ahead of Cape Town City, who currently sit 15th in the Betway Premiership table with 26 points after the same number of games. The 15th position is the PSL relegation playoff spot.

“Richards Bay Football Club would like to categorically state that the club is not looking for any coach,” said the club in a statement. “Our coaches, namely: Ronnie Gabriel, Papi Zothwane, and Siboniso Gumede, remain our coaches, and we are looking forward to continuing our working relationship with them. They continue to be in the club’s plans. The club would further like to thank them for their dedication in improving the team and for achieving an improved log standing.”

At the start of the season, Richards Bay appointed Brandon Truter, but he was sacked by the club on 28 November.

Sibusiso Msomi, Gumede, and Gabriel were then named as co-coaches. Zothwane, who had been with Magesi under Clinton Larsen at the beginning of the season and won the Carling Knockout in October, joined them earlier this year.

Since Truter’s dismissal, the trio has overseen 21 matches across all competitions, securing seven wins, nine losses, and five draws.