Ronnie Gabriel gives Nqaba Xulu verdict after Chiefs brace

26.08.26 FT South African Betway Premiership

Richards Bay

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Kaizer Chiefs

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Richards Bay head coach Ronnie Gabriel has given his verdict on Nqaba Xulu, who scored a brace in the 2-2 draw with Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership at Princess Magogo Stadium on Wednesday night.

The centre-forward pressed the Amakhosi skipper Brandon Petersen, forcing him into a mistake for the opening goal, before heading home from close range to complete his first-half brace after Chiefs conceded a cheap corner.

He was signed from provincial rivals Milford FC ahead of the start of the current campaign, and has already racked up three goals in four appearances in the league, having also netted against Durban City.

Gabriel has tipped Xulu to hit double figures in the topflight, expressing delight with his acquisition and performances, but insists the player is not a finished article.

“He's been brilliant thus far for us, he's been a good signing for us, he has shown his worth, he's shown his value, he's shown his quality that he's capable of performing at this level,” said the Natal Rich Boys' mentor.

"And what better way to repay us than with goals, and he's scoring week in and week out, so we just need to continue to work with him, polish up the areas that we feel he could improve on and it can be a 10 to 12-goal season for him.

Having been entrusted with steering the ship following the departure of Papi Zothwane to Sekhukhune United, the former Uthongathi boss says a top eight finish and a respectable cup run would constitute to a successful season.

“A successful season for Richards Bay would ideally be a top eight finish and doing well in one of the cup competitions, so that would be a good season for us,” Gabriel added.

Richards Bay will return to action with a Betway Premiership clash against AmaZulu FC at Princess Magogo Stadium on Friday, 04 September, in what will be a KwaZulu-Natal derby.

Hlayisani Magoro

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Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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