Gabriel plays down Zothwane exit ahead of Richards Bay opener

Zothwane, who shared coaching responsibilities with Gabriel in the dugout last campaign, left to become Cedric Kaze's assistant at Sekhukhune United. 

Speaking ahead of Richards Bay's league opener at home to Polokwane City on Sunday, Gabriel suggested it’s business as usual.  

"Look, we worked very well together when he was with us, but having said that, Richards Bay FC has a distinct game model and a distinct philosophy that we employ. We've got our blueprint laid out for this season so for us as a technical team it is a matter of continuation and trying to be better than last season." 

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Gabriel admitted Zothwane brought invaluable experience within the technical team set-up, however the new campaign has its own fresh challenges. 

On a lack of high profile signings, Gabriel insisted that the Richards Bay model was to produce emerging talent from the reserve league.

"We haven't lost many players over the past season, so it was just a matter of bringing in players who can fill the void, but having said that our squad comprises mostly of players who emerged from the DDC structure for this is a club that gives opportunities to youngsters with potential."

Richards Bay finished in 11th place last season and Gabriel insists they’ve got their work cut out for them this season in climbing up the table.