Richards Bay coach Ronnie Gabriel says the departure of former co-coach Papi Zothwane will not disrupt the club’s plans for the new Betway Premiership season.
Zothwane has left Richards Bay to become assistant coach to Cedric Kaze at Sekhukhune United, leaving Gabriel as the Natal Rich Boyz’s sole mentor. Gabriel believes the team’s established playing identity and the continuity within the squad will allow them to build on last season’s campaign.
Richards Bay finished 11th last term, but Gabriel is confident they can improve their league position and secure a place in the top eight.
“We worked very well when he was with us,” Gabriel told the media. “However, having said that, Richards Bay Football Club has a distinct game model. We’ve got a distinct philosophy and our own blueprint for this season.
“So for us as a technical team, it’s about continuity. It’s about getting better at what we did last season and improving on the different aspects of our game.
“When you look at the squad, about 90% of the players are still here from last season. So we have the advantage of continuity.
“There isn’t much that needs to change. It’s about maintaining the synergy within the team and continuing to improve from where we left off last season.
“As the technical team, we always appreciated the contribution and wisdom that Papi brought to the club, and we’re grateful for everything he did. But it’s a new season now, and it’s up to us to stand tall and continue growing as a club.”
Richards Bay begin their league campaign at home against Polokwane City at Richards Bay Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.
Gabriel said the club’s away form would be a particular focus as they attempt to turn their ambition of a top-eight finish into reality.
The coach feels Richards Bay missed an opportunity to reach that target last season and believes greater consistency on the road could make the difference.
“We are looking forward to the season. It allows us to improve on last season’s log standings. We felt like last season we missed an opportunity to get into the top eight.
“Maybe improve on our away record and pick up some good points away from home. Be more consistent away from home and turn those draws into victories.
“That’s what we will be looking to improve this season and we feel if we can do that, it can get us into the top eight and continue to make our home venue hard for opponents to come and get points.”
Richards Bay will therefore look to combine their strong home performances with an improved record away from Richards Bay Stadium. Gabriel believes converting draws into wins away from home, while continuing to make their own ground difficult for visiting teams, can help the club progress from last season’s 11th-place finish.