Richards Bay Consider Shock Coaching Decision As Dimitar Pantev Faces Exit After Just 42 Days

Richards Bay – A dismal sequence of performances has led some to speculate that Richards Bay FC head coach Dimitar Pantev may be considering quitting the club, which might lead to another shakeup in the technical staff.

After three straight losses in his first three matches as coach, the future of the Bulgarian tactician, who just joined the KwaZulu-Natal club in September, is already being closely watched.

Management in Richards Bay is reportedly debating Pantev's future, with internal negotiations anticipated to decide his fate (FARPost writer Sinethemba Makonco, 2 November 2026).

This news hits close to home for the Natal Rich Boyz, who have had a rough 2026–27 Betway Premiership season so far.

He took over as coach and lost his first three matches, starting with a Carling Knockout Cup crushing defeat at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns (4-1).

The next week, on October 31, Richards Bay lost 3-1 to Sekhukhune United and then lost 3-1 to Kruger United.

The squad let in ten goals and scored three in the three games.

A troubling overall scenario has been exacerbated by the poor results. With no wins from their first nine league games this season, Richards Bay are still in last place in the Betway Premiership.

The coaching staff is under growing strain as the team has lost six games in a row in all competitions.

After Ronnie Gabriel resigned on September 21, 2026, due to a bad start to the campaign, Richards Bay appointed the 50-year-old.

Pantev brought a wealth of coaching experience with him, having previously coached for teams including Botswana's Gaborone United, Tanzania's Simba SC, and South Africa's Jwaneng Galaxy.

Among his accomplishments is leading Gaborone United to the 2024–25 Botswana Premier League championship.

Despite the club's high hopes, his expertise has failed to bring about the desired confidence boost and performance improvement.

But there are factors that add complexity to the scenario. Pantev was unable to immediately assume control of matches from the touchline due to difficulties in getting his work visa.

In addition, he has already mentioned how difficult it is to take over a team that another coach has already put together, as it takes time for the players and technical staff to learn each other's techniques.

According to the conversations that have taken place, Richards Bay is at a critical juncture.

If the team's season doesn't improve by the end of the month, management must decide whether to make another coaching change or allow Pantev more time to adopt his football philosophy.

For a team that is already trying to find stability, losing a player after such a short time would be devastating.

Source:

https://x.com/UnplayableZA/status/2117551404260753414/photo/1?a=XtpL8m1Ju47tPj6P6D4&s=19