Richards Bay are currently winless after eight games, to sit in 15th place on the league standings, with three draws and five defeats.
Pantev was in the stands as Siboniso Gumede led the club to a 4-1 reverse against Mamelodi Sundowns last time out but is expected to take charge for the Carling Knockout first round clash with Sekhukhune United on Sunday.
The former Gabarone United, Simba SC and Jwaneng Galaxy head coach says it’s important to get his team back to winning ways as soon as possible.
“I have high expectations,” Pantev said in the Sowetan: “This is a big challenge for me, being here in one of Africa’s toughest leagues. Everyone wants to compete, and any team can lose to anyone, so it’s also a challenge for me to prove myself at this level.
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“Step by step, firstly, I want to correct our performances. We need to win some matches in a row and boost our confidence. It’s normal for a young squad that, when the results are not forthcoming, psychologically, they become weak.
“We trust the process. Football is a process,” he added.
“It’s not easy to come when the season has already started. I didn’t have a say in the players that were signed; most of these guys are new to me, and they need time to adapt to my philosophy, and I also need time to adapt to the new environment.
“I am happy with what I’ve seen so far. “The players are responding well to what I am teaching them. The recent international break also helped us a lot because it was three weeks.”