Richards Bay FC have confirmed that head coach Ronnie Gabriel has resigned from his role with immediate effect following a disastrous, winless start to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign.
The Natal Rich Boyz had already begun planning for a transition, with former Marumo Gallants coach Phuti Mohafe and Adnan Beganovic shortlisted as potential successors while the club evaluated Gabriel’s tenure.
Gabriel’s departure follows a dismal run of results that reached a boiling point over the weekend after a humiliating 5-1 thrashing by top-flight newcomers Milford FC.
In an official statement released on Thursday afternoon, the KwaZulu-Natal outfit confirmed that Gabriel is headed for the exit door at the uMhlathuze Sports Complex.
“Richards Bay Football Club is sad to announce that Head Coach Ronnie Gabriel has resigned from the club with immediate effect,” the club stated. “The Club expresses its sincere appreciation to coach Ronnie Gabriel for his dedication, professionalism and contribution during his tenure for the past seasons with the club as our Technical team member and wishes him every success in his future endeavours.
“Further updates on the new coach will be provided in due course.”
DISASTROUS START FORCES GABRIEL OUT AT RICHARDS BAY FC
Gabriel’s resignation ends a turbulent period for the Natal Rich Boyz, who currently sit 14th on the Betway Premiership table with just three points collected from a possible 18.
Richards Bay failed to secure a single victory across six league matches, recording three draws and three defeats.
As previously reported by FARPost, pressure had been mounting heavily on Gabriel following back-to-back derby defeats.
Before the 5-1 collapse against Milford, Richards Bay suffered a 2-1 loss to KZN rivals AmaZulu FC. The club began their campaign with a 2-1 loss to Polokwane City FC, followed by a 1-1 draw against Chippa United, a 1-1 draw with Durban City FC, and a promising 2-2 stalemate against Kaizer Chiefs.
However, any early-season encouragement quickly evaporated as the defensive structure collapsed in subsequent weeks.
Gabriel took sole charge of the team at the start of the season after previously co-leading the technical bench with Papi Zothwane, who departed to join Sekhukhune United. The duo had guided the club to an 11th-place finish last term, but Gabriel was unable to replicate that stability on his own.
With Gabriel now gone, Richards Bay management will move swiftly to appoint his successor, with Mohafe and Beganovic reportedly leading the race to take over the hot seat at the club.
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