In a swift move shaking up two Betway Premiership outfits, Papi Zothwane has parted ways with Richards Bay FC to join Sekhukhune United, clearing the path for Ronnie Gabriel to take sole control of the Natal Rich Boyz.
Sekhukhune underwent a technical overhaul this week. The Limpopo-based side recently parted ways with assistant coaches Andre Arendse and Marc van Heerden, as well as performance analyst Kyle Solomon.
This technical team reshuffle follows the arrival of Burundian tactician Cedric Kaze, who was appointed as the club’s new head coach to replace Eric Tinkler.
In a bid to build a formidable technical team around Kaze, Babina Noko have roped in Zothwane alongside Paulus Masehe to serve as co-assistants.
SEKHUKHUNE UNITED CONFIRM PAPI ZOTHWANE’S ARRIVAL
Babina Noko confirmed the appointment of the former Golden Arrows and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder on Friday, 3 July 2026.
“Sekhukhune United Football Club is delighted to confirm the appointment of Papi Zothwane as assistant coach,” the club announced in an official statement.
“A former Bafana Bafana international, Zothwane joins Babina Noko after spending several seasons honing his coaching skills in the Premier Soccer League, earning himself a gold medal as part of the Magesi FC bench that won the Carling Black Label Cup in 2024.
“Widely respected for his football intelligence, professionalism and calm leadership, he adds further depth and expertise to the club’s technical team. Zothwane joins head coach Cedric Kaze, alongside fellow Assistant coach Paulus Masehe and goalkeeper coach Nascent Nkhwashu.”
Meanwhile, Sekhukhune CEO Jonas Malatji expressed his confidence in the standard Zothwane brings to the club.
“Coach Papi’s values and approach align with the direction of our club,” Malatji said. “He is a professional whose desire to continually grow as a coach. This makes him an excellent addition to our technical team. We are confident he will make a meaningful contribution.”
RONNIE GABRIEL TAKES SOLE CHARGE AT RICHARDS BAY FC
Meanwhile, over in KwaZulu-Natal, Zothwane’s departure has forced a tactical restructuring of a different kind.
For the past two seasons, Richards Bay operated under a co-coaching model, with Gabriel and Zothwane. Last season, the duo successfully steered the club away from the relegation zone to secure an 11th-place finish.
With Zothwane heading to Babina Noko, the Richards Bay hierarchy has decided to ditch the dual-management structure entirely.
Gabriel has officially been handed the reins alone. This marks his first standalone appointment as the head coach of the Natal Rich Boyz. He will be assisted by Siboniso Gumede.
“Richards Bay have appointed Ronnie Gabriel as the club’s new head coach for next season with an option to renew. Gabriel will be assisted by Siboniso ‘Jomo’ Gumede,” read a statement released by the club on Friday night.
Both teams will look to hit the ground running as pre-season preparations continue ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
RELATED STORY: Sekhukhune confirm Cedric Kaze’s appointment as head coach