Richards Bay has appointed Papi Zothwane as their new head coach, surprising many who expected former Magesi and Golden Arrows coach Clinton Larsen to take the reins.

Larsen and Zothwane previously worked together at Magesi, leading the club to a remarkable Carling Knockout trophy victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in November. However, after Larsen stepped down from his position at Magesi following their triumph, he was replaced by Owen da Gama.

According to Sportswire sources, disagreements arose between da Gama and Zothwane, resulting in the latter’s departure from Magesi on Friday. It was initially reported that Zothwane would join Richards Bay as part of Larsen’s technical team. However, with Larsen no longer in contention for the head coach position, Zothwane has been appointed to the role instead.

Zothwane replaces Ronnie Gabriel and Sboniso Gumede, who served as interim coaches following the departure of Brandon Truter in November. Under Gabriel and Gumede’s guidance, Richards Bay achieved only one victory in six matches, losing four and drawing one.

This poor run of form leaves them 14th in the league table with nine points from 14 matches, two points above bottom-placed Magesi (who have played two games fewer) and three points above 15th-placed Royal AM (who have played 11 matches).

Interestingly, Zothwane’s first league match in charge of Richards Bay will be against his former club, Magesi FC, at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium on 31 January.