Gabriel Remains Upbeat Despite MTN8 Quarterfinal Loss
Richards Bay co-coach Ronnie Gabriel remained optimistic about his team’s prospects for the upcoming season despite suffering a 4-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in the quarterfinal of the MTN8 at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.
According to Gabriel, the Natal Rich Boys were well-prepared technically, tactically, and physically, having come off a rigorous six-week preseason that included several friendly games and the KZN Premier’s Cup.
“If you talk about being physically and ready, remember that we are coming from six weeks of preseason and we played many friendly games and even played Premier’s Cup, which is a competitive game, and we did very well,” Gabriel said.
“So, coming into this game, we felt in terms of being prepared technically, tactically, and out of conditions that we came out here across.”
The former Uthongathi mentor also praised his team’s preseason work.
“We did good work in the preseason, it’s just that on Sunday we came across a good Sundowns team in terms of quality, and they are a superior team, and they also have good qualities in all departments,” he added.
Despite the loss, Gabriel was proud of his team’s fighting spirit and hunger.
“Not taking anything away from our group, I think we fought in different phases of the game,” he said.
“Yes, we lost, but we showed hunger, and the goals that we conceded I think in another day we couldn’t have conceded them, especially the own goal, the deflected goal, and the set piece goal.”
Gabriel remained confident about the team’s readiness for the new season, saying, “In all, I think we’re ready for the new season, but today (Sunday) was not our day.”
The loss was a significant one, but it marked a historic milestone for Richards Bay, who finished in the top eight of the Betway Premiership for the first time since their promotion in the 2022/23 season.
The team had set ambitious targets at the beginning of last season, with chairman Jomo Biyela revealing that their main objective is to finish in the top eight.
Although they fell short of this goal, finishing in the top eight under Gabriel and co-coach Papi Zothwane’s guidance was still a notable achievement.
The KZN Premier’s Cup 2025 champions will kickstart the Betway Premiership this weekend against Marumo Gallants at King Zwelithini Stadium. With their preseason form and historic top-eight finish, Bay will be looking to build on their momentum and make a strong impression in the league.
