Richards Bay FC are considering a shock coaching decision that could see head coach Dimitar Pantev leave the club barely a month after his appointment, following a difficult start to his tenure at the KwaZulu-Natal outfit.
FARPost understands that the club’s management is increasingly concerned about the team’s alarming run of results, which has left the Natal Rich Boyz rooted to the bottom of the Betway Premiership standings.
Richards Bay FC are yet to register a league victory in nine matches this season, with their struggles compounded by six successive defeats across all competitions. Pantev, who replaced Ronnie Gabriel in September, has been on the bench for only three matches after initially being unable to take charge on matchdays due to delays in securing his work permit.
The Bulgarian tactician arrived with considerable experience in African football, but results have yet to improve under his leadership. His three matches in charge have ended in defeats, with Richards Bay conceding 10 goals and scoring just three.
The Natal Rich Boyz suffered a 4-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout Cup before losing 3-1 to both Sekhukhune United and Kruger United.
RICHARDS BAY FC SET FOR TALKS OVER PANTEV’S FUTURE
FARPost has learnt that Richards Bay management is weighing up Pantev’s future, with talks expected to determine whether the 50-year-old remains in charge. The situation presents a difficult decision for the club, particularly given that Pantev has had limited time on the touchline to implement his ideas.
He was brought in to replace Gabriel in a bid to revive the team’s fortunes following a disappointing start to the 2026/27 campaign. Pantev arrived with an impressive coaching CV, having previously worked at Orapa United, Jwaneng Galaxy, Gaborone United and Tanzanian giants Simba SC.
His most recent success came in Botswana, where he guided Gaborone United to the 2024/25 Premier League title. That achievement raised expectations that he could turn Richards Bay’s fortunes around, but the club’s continued struggles have placed his position under scrutiny.
With the Natal Rich Boyz desperate to arrest their slide, management now faces a decision on whether to give Pantev more time or make another coaching change.
Richards Bay’s next assignment is against Marumo Gallants at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on 29 November, although it remains uncertain whether Pantev will still be in charge by then.
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