Hunt Explains Klate’s Appointment At Durban City
Durban City coach Gavin Hunt has shed light on his decision to bring in Daine Klate as the club’s DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) coach. Hunt emphasized his trust in Klate and his confidence in Klate’s coaching abilities.
Klate was present at the KZN Premier’s Cup in Richards Bay on Sunday, where Durban City narrowly lost 1-0 to Richards Bay FC at Umhlathuze Stadium in the final.
A Proven Partnership
The professional relationship between Hunt and Klate spans many years and includes significant success. They famously won three league titles together at SuperSport United between 2008 and 2010. Their winning ways continued at Bidvest Wits, where they secured another league title in the 2016/17 season and also lifted the MTN8 trophy.
The following season, the duo added the Carling Knockout trophy to their accolades.
When Hunt moved to Chippa United at the start of the 2021/22 season, he brought Klate in to manage their Diski Challenge team, demonstrating a long-standing pattern of collaboration.
Hunt’s Vision for the DDC Team
“Daine is coming in to be in charge of the Diski Challenge team,” Hunt confirmed when asked by Sportswire.
“He knows what we are trying to do, and he has been successful with a Diski team before. He enjoys working in that space, and he’s a good coach, which is the most important thing.”
Hunt stressed the importance of practical coaching experience: “It’s not about bringing people in; it’s about bringing in a coach who knows what they are doing on the training ground. You don’t want people who are just talking on computers; it’s about people doing stuff on the training ground—that’s the most important thing. I think he knows what he is doing and how we want to work.”
Coaching Staff Adjustments
Previously, Sportswire understood that Pitso Dladla was earmarked for the DDC role alongside Macbeth Sibaya. However, Hunt clarified that he wants Dladla closer to him, serving as his assistant coach due to Dladla’s familiarity with the environment. Dladla will work alongside goalkeeper coach Rowan Fernandez.
“He [Klate] has a much better idea now of the players after the days he has been here, and that is the most important thing going forward,” Hunt added.
“You must remember we are starting the DDC team [since we are promoted], and you need to take that whole thing forward. At a club like this, we need to try and get players through quicker and have a better structure. Hopefully, he can survive long enough.”
Looking Ahead to the New Season
With the KZN Premier’s Cup now concluded, Durban City will turn their attention to the upcoming 2025/26 season. According to the provisional PSL league fixtures, which are subject to change, City will kick off their campaign away against TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on 10 August.
