Richards Bay FC coach confirms arrival of Papi Zothwane and new striker
Richards Bay FC interim coach Ronnie Gabriel has confirmed the arrival of Papi Zothwane and a new striker for the second round of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season.
Zothwane joins Richards Bay following his exit from Magesi FC a few days ago. The former Golden Arrows midfielder served as the assistant coach to Clinton Larsen, who has also parted ways with Magesi after a challenging start to life in the Premiership.
Zothwane formed part of the technical team that won Magesi’s first-ever top-flight silverware after beating Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2024 Carling Knockout Cup final.
After impressing in the Carling Cup, the Limpopo-based side struggled to translate the cup form to the league, as they are sitting at the bottom of the log standings.
Meanwhile, The Natal Rich Boys, who are also struggling for a consistent winning form, have decided to rope Zothwane into their technical team.
The 43-year-old is expected to work closely with Ronnie Gabriel and Siboniso Gumede in the technical team as they look to turn the corner at Richards Bay. The club has also signed striker Mxolisi Macuphu on a free transfer following his exit from the embattled Royal AM.
WHAT DID RONNIE GABRIEL SAY ABOUT PAPI ZOTHWANE AND MXOLISI MACUPHU?
Speaking to the media ahead of the Nedbank Cup last 32 clash against Orlando Pirates, Gabriel expressed his excitement about working with Zothwane.
“Papi Zothwane has joined us as part of the technical team. It’s a great addition, and we feel he will add immense value to the team,” Gabriel said.
“So we’re looking forward to working with him and his contribution to the team. It’s a big positive to add him to our technical team.
Gabriel further revealed that he’s hoping that Mucuphu could be ready to face Pirates on Sunday at the King Zwelithini Stadium.
“We signed Macuphu from Royal AM; he started training with the squad in the last two days. He’s looking good on the first day, and we’re hoping that he could be ready to get a few minutes against Pirates.”
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