Richards Bay FC have identified Phuti Mohafe and Simo Dladla as potential replacements for Dimitar Pantev as doubts grow over the Bulgarian coach’s future at the struggling KwaZulu-Natal club, FARPost has been informed.
FARPost has also learnt that the Natal Rich Boyz are considering Young Africans caretaker coach Simo Dladla and former Polokwane City coach Phuti Mohafe as potential replacements.
The developments come days after FARPost revealed that Richards Bay were set to hold talks with Pantev following a disappointing start to his tenure. Bay are bottom of the Betway Premiership with three points from nine matches and are still searching for their first league victory of the season.
Pantev replaced Ronnie Gabriel in September but had to wait for his work permit before joining the bench. He has overseen three matches from the touchline, losing to Mamelodi Sundowns, Sekhukhune United and newly promoted Kruger United.
The run began with a 4-1 defeat to Sundowns in the Carling Knockout last 16, followed by successive 3-1 league losses to Sekhukhune and Kruger. Those results have increased concerns within the club’s management, with Bay conceding 10 goals and scoring three across the three fixtures.
RICHARDS BAY APPROACH SIMO DLADLA AS MOHAFE EMERGES AS AN OPTION
Dladla’s familiarity with Richards Bay makes him an intriguing option, having previously coached the club between 2020 and 2021.
The CAF A licence holder’s coaching career also includes spells with Real Kings, Moroka Swallows, Venda FC and Durban City, as well as an assistant coaching role at AmaZulu FC. However, securing his return would require an agreement with Young Africans. Although Yanga are set to appoint Fadlu Davids as head coach, Dladla will remain on contract with the Jangwani giants. Any club interested in him would have to pay a release fee.
That adds another consideration for Richards Bay as they weigh their options and assess the future of their coaching department.
Mohafe, meanwhile, is available following his departure from Polokwane City. The club has considered his CV but has not yet approached him about the position.
The 52-year-old was in charge of Rise and Shine between December 2023 and June 2026, overseeing 81 matches, with a record of 23 wins, 29 draws and 29 defeats.
A CAF B licence holder, Mohafe also counts Marumo Gallants and Witbank Spurs among the clubs on his coaching CV.
While Richards Bay have begun exploring alternatives, a final decision on Pantev’s future remains pending. The club’s immediate task is to arrest a slump that has left them rooted to the foot of the table.
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