Kadodia Slams Durban Tourism Over Lack Of Funding
Durban City chairman Farook Kadodia has launched a scathing attack on Durban Tourism, accusing certain individuals within the sector of “blocking” his club from receiving financial support.
Despite the club’s recent promotion to the PSL and their historic qualification for the Nedbank Cup final, Kadodia claims the city is intentionally ignoring his side’s contribution to the local economy.
According to information known to Sportswire, an influential figure has allegedly discouraged Durban Tourism from offering any form of financial support to the club.
Durban Tourism currently has partnerships with Golden Arrows, rugby franchise the Hollywoodbets Sharks, and AmaZulu—clubs based in Durban—but not with Durban City, despite the team also being based in the city.
Previously, AmaZulu and Golden Arrows each received around R3.5 million annually, while the Sharks received R4 million.
The higher allocation to the Sharks is due to their participation in international competitions such as the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, the Investec Champions Cup, and the EPCR Challenge Cup, which help promote Durban on the global stage.
Durban City was rebranded from Maritzburg United at the start of last season after being forced out of Harry Gwala Stadium by the Umsunduzi Municipality following issues involving Royal AM owner Shawn Mkhize.
The club, which earned promotion to the PSL last season, has now reached the Nedbank Cup final after defeating giant-killers Casric Stars 1-0 at Chatsworth Stadium on Saturday.
A visibly excited Kadodia said Durban Tourism is missing a major opportunity to partner with the club, especially after reaching the third cup final in its history.
“I think the Nedbank Cup will always be modest,” Kadodia told Sportswire when asked whether this season has exceeded expectations following their promotion.
“The important thing is that our work in progress continues. If you’ve noticed, here at Chatsworth Stadium we are unbeaten this season.
“We want to maintain this momentum. Reaching the cup final brings a lot of pride to the province and its stakeholders.
“Although we don’t receive support from those stakeholders, it still makes the players and technical team proud.
“But I would urge the province to recognise Durban City. For everything we have contributed, I would appreciate it if Durban Tourism acknowledged the Durban City brand.
“We have added value to tourism, but unfortunately, for reasons unknown, we are not getting the support.”
City will now face the winner of the other semi-final between TS Galaxy and Milford in the Nedbank Cup final, with that match set to take place at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Sunday.
