Richards Bay finding consistency at crucial stage of campaign

The Natal Rich Boyz had to rebuild early in the season following the departures of influential players such as Yanela Mbuthuma and Nkosikhona Ndaba to Orlando Pirates, while several youngsters from the club’s DStv Diski Challenge side were promoted into the senior setup.

Speaking after Saturday’s 1-1 Betway Premiership draw against Marumo Gallants, Gabriel says considering their difficult start to the season, Richards Bay can still reflect positively on the progress made this year.

"As we brought in youngsters from the DDC into the first team, adaptation processes were put into place, and during the first few games of the season we were not the best but as the season continued we clawed our way back into the league and the fruits are starting to show now."

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The draw against Gallants kept Richards Bay in 11th place on the Betway Premiership standings, while also extending their unbeaten run in the league to six matches.

Among the club’s notable results this season were victories over Kaizer Chiefs, as well as hard-fought draws against title contenders Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. Gabriel believes patience with the rebuilding process will eventually help establish Richards Bay as one of the stronger sides in KwaZulu-Natal football.

Gabriel has also welcomed the strong performances from clubs in KZN this season, following Durban City’s Nedbank Cup title capture and qualification for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

The province also enjoyed impressive representation in the domestic cup competition, with six of the KZN clubs progressing to the Last 16 in the KeYona competition. 

Gabriel says he is hopeful that all four KZN teams in the Premiership can finish the season strongly and push for Top 8 places.

"The teams of this province have done exceptionally well, the coaches have done a fantastic job in keeping their teams up there through playing exciting and enterprising football. It'll be really good if all our teams can finish in the top eight come the end of the season."

Reflecting on the draw against Bahlabane Ba Ntwa, Gabriel admitted Richards Bay were disappointed not to collect maximum points after creating several promising opportunities during the encounter. 

Gabriel says poor decision-making in the final third ultimately prevented them from securing victory.

Richards Bay return to action on Saturday when they host Sekhukhune United at the Umhlathuze Sports Complex, before travelling to face relegation-threatened Magesi FC on 23 May in their final fixture of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season.