Richards Bay FC have appointed Dimitar Nikolaev Pantev as their new head coach. The 50-year-old Bulgarian takes over from Ronnie Gabriel, who resigned with immediate effect last Thursday following a difficult start to the Betway Premiership season.
The club confirmed Pantev's arrival on Monday. "Pantev has signed a one-season contract with an option to renew," Richards Bay FC said. They highlighted his UEFA A Licence and recent achievements on the continent and domestically.
Pantev arrives with a strong record in southern Africa. He guided Tanzanian giants Simba SC into the CAF Champions League group stages in 2025. The previous year, he led Botswana's Orapa United into the CAF Confederation Cup group stages. His domestic success includes winning the Botswana Premier League with Gaborone United in the 2024/25 season and lifting the National Cup with Jwaneng Galaxy in 2025/26.
His appointment comes after a period where former TS Galaxy mentor Adnan Beganovic was considered the frontrunner for the role. Negotiations with Beganovic were reportedly progressing significantly before the club made its surprise u-turn.
Pantev's immediate task is to steer the Natal Rich Boyz away from the relegation zone. The team sits 14th in the Premier Soccer League with just three points from their opening seven matches. They are still searching for their first win of the 2026/27 campaign, having lost their last three games.
Their most recent outing was a 3-2 home defeat to Sekhukhune United on Saturday, a match overseen by interim coaches Siboniso “Jomo” Gumede and Sibusiso Msomi. Nqaba Xulu scored twice in that loss and is the team's top scorer this season with five goals.
The new coach begins his tenure with the aim of establishing himself in South Africa's top flight. His first match in charge will be a formidable test at home against league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on 17 October. Check the upcoming fixtures for all the details.
More detail at soccerladuma.co.za
