Ronnie Gabriel: 'We've beaten Pirates before, and we can do it again'

Ronnie Gabriel, Coach of Richards Bay FC addressing the media ahead of the 2025 Carling Knockout Cup semi-final against Orlando Pirates. | BackpagePix Richards Bay coach Ronnie Gabriel believes his side's spirit and belief could once again inspire a famous cup triumph when they meet Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. The Natal Rich Boyz have already proven they can upset the Soweto giants, having eliminated Pirates from the same competition at the quarter-final stage in 2023, triumphing via a dramatic penalty shootout. For Gabriel, that victory remains a reference point for what is possible when his side performs with unity and conviction. "Yeah, while planning for this game here, we always tap into that type of energy, that type of experience," said Gabriel.