Gabriel clings to Richards Bay FC top-eight target

Richards Bay FC co-coach Ronnie Gabriel remains adamant that a top-eight finish in the 2025-26 Betway Premiership campaign remains a distinct possibility.

Gabriel, who shares the technical responsibilities with Papi Zothwane, echoed this optimism following a hard-fought share of the spoils against Polokwane City FC on Wednesday, 6 May 2026.

The stalemate left the Natal Rich Boys in 11th position on the Betway Premiership log, a standing that Gabriel insists is well within striking distance of the club’s pre-season objectives.

Richards Bay coach Gabriel vows to fight on

The co-coach has vowed that his side will soldier on and maintain their intensity throughout the remaining three fixtures of the South African elite league. He remains confident that the club can secure a top-eight berth for the second consecutive season, emphasising that the race is far from over.

“There are still nine points left to play for,” Gabriel informed the club’s official website. “Mathematically, it is entirely possible for us to break into the top eight. If you recall the final day of last season, we managed to leapfrog into the top eight at the very last moment.”

The pursuit of a top-eight finish

Last season, Richards Bay secured their top-eight aspirations in dramatic fashion after overcoming SuperSport United on the final day of the campaign. The dream of replicating that feat continues this weekend, with the Durban-based outfit’s next league assignment coming against a struggling Marumo Gallants on Saturday, 9 May 2026.

Gabriel expressed his profound optimism that his charges can snatch maximum points from Gallants, who currently find themselves languishing in the relegation zone.

“We will continue to apply ourselves and work hard. In our upcoming away match against Marumo Gallants, the goal is to pick up points, and we will fight until the final whistle of the season to ensure we place ourselves in the top eight,” the co-coach added.

The KwaZulu-Natal side previously suffered a 2-1 defeat to Gallants FC in the reverse fixture; consequently, they will be eyeing redemption this weekend at the Dr. Molemela Stadium. The Bloemfontein-based club currently occupies 15th place in the Betway Premiership standings, having accumulated 22 points from 27 matches thus far.