Gabriel’s moment of truth

RICHARDS Bay coach Ronnie Gabriel is on the brink of what could be one of the biggest milestones of his coaching career — guiding the Natal Rich Boyz to their first-ever domestic final as they face Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout Cup semifinal at the Moses Mabhida Stadium today.

- SMISO MSOMI

Having climbed through the ranks of South African football, winning league titles from the lower divisions up to the professional ranks, Gabriel admits this competition holds a special place in his heart.

The 48-year-old tactician has achieved almost everything in local football — except lifting a topflight trophy — and this weekend represents a golden opportunity to complete that journey.

“Personally, as a coach, I’ve coached at all levels, won all the leagues in South Africa from the lower leagues and came into the top flight,” Gabriel reflected.

“I’m still to win a trophy at this level, so it would be a monumental achievement. It's the type of thing we live for -— to come into the highest level of football in South Africa and win a trophy.”