Gabriel Targets Carling Knockout Final After Third Straight Semis
Richards Bay coach Ronnie Gabriel says his side is determined to go one better and reach the final of the Carling Knockout after reaching their third consecutive semi-finals of the same competition.
The Natal Rich Boys booked their third successive League Cup semi-final appearance after beating provincial rivals Durban City 3-1 in the quarter final at the Umhlathuze Sports Ground on Saturday.
Gabriel says the team is eager to finally break the semi-final curse, having lost to Stellenbosch FC in the 2023/24 season and to Magesi FC the previous campaign.
Interestingly, both clubs went on to win the title after defeating the KwaZulu-Natal side.
“We have always been at this stage; this year we want to take it a step further,” said Gabriel.
“We want to give the fans something to cheer about — maybe even a final appearance. That would be a remarkable achievement for the team.
“But having said that, we’d also like these kinds of performances to reflect in our league games. If we can collect a few wins in the league and stay comfortable there while doing well in the cup, that would be great for the club.”
This season marks Richards Bay’s long-awaited return to their home base in Richards Bay, after playing their home fixtures at King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban since the early stages of the 2021/22 season — when they were still campaigning in the Motsepe Foundation Championship before earning promotion.
Since their return, fans in Umhlathuze have filled the stands, turning the venue into a sea of blue. With limited entertainment options in the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, professional football has become the main attraction — passionately supported by the local community.
Gabriel hopes to capitalize on that energy and is keen to secure a home draw for the semi-final.
“You can really feel their presence,” said Gabriel.
“The drive and push they give to the players out here is second to none. It’s a fantastic place to play. The supporters are truly playing their part.
“We needed that home support to push us over the line, and they came to the party.”
