Richards Bay have announced the departure of head coach Vasili Manousakis and the two assistant coaches Pitso Dladla and Ronnie Gabriel.
Manousakis was appointed as the sole head coach of Richards Bay on 20 March, with Pitso Dladla dropping to the assistant coach role after initially co-coaching with Manousakis after Dladla had promoted the club from the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season.
At first, Manousakis was appointed as the technical advisor before the season started. But when 2022/23 was about to start when the club unveiled new players, Manousakis saw his role lifted, sharing the duty with Dladla.
The newbies were one of the high flying teams early in the season, sitting in second place for large parts but they were faced with many issues in 2023, including the sad passing away of their captain Sphamandla Mtolo in February, a man who was key in the side’s promotion last term.
It was tough trauma to overcome and Bay ended up amongst relegation candidates, finishing 13th in the DStv Premiership table with 33 points.
They went 15 games in all competitions without a win and Manousakis did not win as the club head coach in seven matches in charge. The club’s status was only saved after they drew with Royal AM in the last game of the season.
On Wednesday, they announced the departure of their three coaches.
“Richards Bay Football Club would like to announce the the departure of Head Coach Mr. Vasili Manousakis, Mr. Pitso Dladla and Mr. Ronnie Gabriel the two Assistant Coaches,” the club said via a statement.
“The Club would also like to thank them for their contribution during last season. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors.
“The announcement of the new technical team will be announced in due course.”
