Betway Premiership bombshell as coach quits

Ronnie Gabriel has resigned from his position as head coach of Richards Bay FC with immediate effect following a difficult start to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.

The Natal Rich Boyz have struggled for results in the opening weeks of the campaign, recording three draws and three defeats from their first six league matches.

That’s left them in 14th place in the standings.

Heavy defeat

Gabriel’s departure comes shortly after Richards Bay suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to newly promoted Milford FC at the weekend.

The result appears to have brought an end to Gabriel’s time in charge, with the club confirming his resignation in an official statement.

“Richards Bay Football Club is sad to announce that Head Coach Ronnie Gabriel has resigned from the club with immediate effect,” the club said.

“The Club expresses its sincere appreciation to coach Ronnie Gabriel for his dedication, professionalism, and contribution during his tenure over the past seasons with the club as our Technical team member, and wishes him every success in his future endeavours.”

Richards Bay join Marumo Gallants, Sekhukhune United and Siwelele FC in changing their coaches in the early stages of the season.

Beganovic linked with Richards Bay

With Gabriel now gone, attention has turned to who will take charge of the KwaZulu-Natal club.

Former TS Galaxy head coach Adnan Beganovic has reportedly emerged as a potential replacement.

Beganovic previously coached TS Galaxy and could now be in line for a return to the Betway Premiership should Richards Bay opt to appoint him.

The club has not yet confirmed Gabriel’s successor.

“Further updates on the new coach will be provided in due course,” Richards Bay added.

Change in the dugout

Richards Bay will now look to arrest their poor start to the campaign, having collected just three points from their opening six league fixtures.

The club will hope a change in the dugout can provide the turnaround required as they look to avoid being dragged into an early battle for league survival.

Richards Bay FC’s next match is a home tie against Sekhukhune United on Saturday, 19 September at 15:00.