RISE Ronnie Gabriel has been appointed head coach of Richards Bay FC capping a remarkable rise from amateur football ranks to top flight South African football.
Stepping into the hot seat with full control for the first time, Richards Bay head coach Ronnie Gabriel is determined to spark a fast start to the new Betway Premiership season and banish memories of last year's sluggish opening.
The Natal Rich Boyz suffered a disastrous start to their previous campaign, failing to pick up a single point in their opening three matches. That lost momentum cast a long shadow over their season, but Gabriel is confident that sticking to their tactical identity will help his side conquer any early-season nerves.
Their opening test comes on Sunday afternoon at the Umhlathuze Sports Complex against Polokwane City — one of the league's most stubborn and disciplined outfits. Despite Rise and Shine entering the match under new head coach Willy Moloto, Gabriel expects no drop-off in their trademark intensity or tactical setup.
"We don't know much of what to expect, but we wouldn't expect the coach to change much in his approach. Because if you look at Polokwane City over the past few seasons, they have been a very consistent outfit," Gabriel said.
