Richards Bay coach Brandon Truter has challenged his team to aim for a top-eight finish this season.
The Natal Rich Boyz have struggled in the South African top-flight since their promotion as National First Division champions in 2021/22.
After ending in 13th in their first season, the club only retained their status by way of the relegation/promotion play-offs last term.
The new head coach was installed ahead of the upcoming campaign with the ambition to improve the club’s standing under new sponsors Phakwe Gas, who are said to have made a R100 million investment.
Truter has previously managed Moroka Swallows, AmaZulu, Sekhukhune United and Bay in the Premier Soccer League.
He said in the Sowetan: “We need to move away from that relegation fight. I think since they’ve been in the premiership, first season I think they finished in 13th or 14 and now last season it was 15th.
“So we need a big season and big performances from everybody and moving away from that zone we need to get into the top eight.”
Bay start their season against TS Galaxy at the King Zwelithini Stadium on September 15.