2nd December 2024
The Natal Rich Boys parted ways with Brandon Truter last week following a string of poor results which left chairman Jomo Biyela unsatisfied.
Gabriel and Sboniso Gumede took charge, and the former was asked if he would be prepared to continue in the role.
''Like any coach in the game. I don't know if this is the platform for me to speak about my personal aspirations, because here I am representing the club. But just to cut the question short like any coach in the country, it is also my aspiration one day to be a coach of any PSL team for that matter. So yes, if that avenue is open so be it. It is my aspiration to progress in the game as an individual,'' said Gabriel.
Despite letting Truter go on the eve of the KZN derby against AmaZulu in the Betway Premiership at the weekend, Richards Bay were still beaten by their rivals 3-1 at the King Zwelithini Stadium.
Gabriel, who is a long serving member of the technical staff, explained why the Natal Rich Boys blow hot and cold.
''In the interim. We are on an interim basis with coach Gumede, but to really dissect this problem. You would understand that Richards Bay FC is a team of opportunities, you'd notice that the average age of the squad that we have now must be under-24, it's a young squad. Year in and year out, I don't think there's any club in the PSL that has promoted as much DDC players and given them PSL caps, if you look at the records,'' added Gabriel.
The defeat pushed Richards Bay to the bottom of the log after nine matches, however Gabriel remained confident results will improve.
''Remember in terms of the adaptation it is a process. During the adaptation phase in the PSL there will be a lot of hiccups along the way. We are facing those types of results, whereby we have to continue with the process. You look at Stellenbosch, year one fighting relegation, year two fighting relegation but they believed in their model. We know that we will face these types of challenges but it is about believing in our blueprint, and moving forward with it. So that is the belief we still have that we will pass this stage and take the team to safety and be a table team at least this season,'' he expressed.
It now appears as though the Natal Rich Boys will be in yet another relegation battle and Gabriel said they would have to count on previous experience to come out of it to avoid the drop.