Richards Bay FC are reportedly on the verge of appointing Bulgarian coach Dimitar Pantev as their new head coach as the club looks to reverse a difficult start to the season.
According to local football reports, Richards Bay have reached an agreement with Pantev, with the final details of the deal still being completed. The 50-year-old is then expected to travel to South Africa to begin work with the Natal Rich Boyz.
Pantev would take over following the resignation of Ronnie Gabriel, who stepped down after a challenging spell that included a heavy 5-1 defeat.
His arrival would give Richards Bay a coach with extensive experience across different football environments, particularly in Africa.
PANTEV’S AFRICAN TRACK RECORD
Pantev began his coaching journey in Bulgaria, initially making his name in futsal. He led Grand Pro Varna to five consecutive Bulgarian futsal league titles between 2011 and 2016 and also worked with the Bulgarian national futsal team.
He later moved into 11-a-side football, with his career taking him to Palestine before he established himself on the African coaching scene.
In Cameroon, Pantev guided Victoria United to the 2023/24 Elite One championship — the first top-flight league title in the club’s history.
The Bulgarian subsequently moved to Botswana, where he worked with Orapa United before taking charge of Gaborone United.
His time at Gaborone United produced another major success as he guided the club to the 2024/25 Botswana Premier League title.
That achievement helped secure Pantev a move to Tanzanian powerhouse Simba SC in October 2025. However, his tenure was relatively short and the two parties eventually went their separate ways.
Pantev has remained active on the African football circuit and could now be heading to the Betway Premiership for the first time.
A NEW CHAPTER FOR RICHARDS BAY
Richards Bay will be hoping Pantev’s experience of managing in several African leagues can provide the stability and results needed to get the club moving in the right direction.
His record of winning domestic league titles in Cameroon and Botswana will also raise expectations around what he could bring to the Natal Rich Boyz.
The immediate challenge, however, will be turning that experience into results in the South African top flight.
Would Dimitar Pantev be the right man to revive Richards Bay’s fortunes?
