By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Betway Premiership side Richards Bay FC have confirmed the appointment of Bulgarian Dimitar Nikolaev Pantev as their new head coach.
Pantev takes over from Ronnie Gabriel, who resigned few days ago after a string of poor results.
“Richards Bay Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Dimitar Nikolaev Pantev as Head Coach. He has signed for one season with an option to renew,” Richards Bay said in a statement on Monday.
“Coach Dimitar brings a wealth of experience, having coached clubs such as Simba SC in Tanzania, Jwaneng Galaxy in Botswana and Gaborone United in Botswana.”
“The 50-year-old holds a UEFA A Licence and played a key role in guiding Simba SC into the CAF Champions League group stages in 2025, Orapa United FC into the CAF Confederation Cup group stages in 2024, winning the National Cup in 2025/26 with Jwaneng Galaxy FC and winning the Botswana league with Gaborone United in 2024/25.”
“The club is delighted to welcome the coach to Richards Bay Football Club and wishes him all the best.”
The Natal Rich Boyz are still searching for their first league victory of the season after seven matches, having collected three draws and suffered four defeats.