Richards Bay coach Ronnie Gabriel says his side is determined to go one better and reach the final of the Carling Knockout after reaching their third consecutive semi-finals of the same competition.
The Natal Rich Boys booked their third successive League Cup semi-final appearance after beating provincial rivals Durban City 3-1 in the quarter final at the Umhlathuze Sports Ground on Saturday.
Gabriel says the team is eager to finally break the semi-final curse, having lost to Stellenbosch FC in the 2023/24 season and to Magesi FC the previous campaign.
Interestingly, both clubs went on to win the title after defeating the KwaZulu-Natal side.
“We have always been at this stage; this year we want to take it a step further,” said Gabriel.
“We want to give the fans something to cheer about — maybe even a final appearance. That would be a remarkable achievement for the team.
“But having said that, we’d also like these kinds of performances to reflect in our league games. If we can collect a few wins in the league and stay comfortable there while doing well in the cup, that would be great for the club.”
This season marks Richards Bay’s long-awaited return to their home base in Richards Bay, after playing their home fixtures at King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban since the early stages of the 2021/22 season — when they were still campaigning in the Motsepe Foundation Championship before earning promotion.
Since their return, fans in Umhlathuze have filled the stands, turning the venue into a sea of blue. With limited entertainment options in the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, professional football has become the main attraction — passionately supported by the local community.
Gabriel hopes to capitalize on that energy and is keen to secure a home draw for the semi-final.
“You can really feel their presence,” said Gabriel.
“The drive and push they give to the players out here is second to none. It’s a fantastic place to play. The supporters are truly playing their part.
“We needed that home support to push us over the line, and they came to the party.”