Badela Faces Early Scrutiny At Durban City Under Watchful Middendorp

It does not appear that newly appointed Durban City coach Sinethemba Badela is fully hands-on at the club, just weeks after taking up the role.

When Badela was unveiled to the media at Howard College on Thursday, technical director Ernst Middendorp sat on the far side of the room, listening closely to everything the new coach said.

At times, Badela appeared uncomfortable answering questions, giving the impression that he had been thrown into the deep end at the club.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns DStv Diski Challenge coach was appointed on 26 December last year, replacing Gavin Hunt.

Hunt’s departure came as a surprise to many, especially with the club sitting seventh on the log and not in any immediate danger.

“You talk about a project, but for me I have always had the same principles — you have to win football matches,” said Badela.

“As a coach, you are judged by results, and of course the chairman [Farook Kadodia] wants to see the players improving. If we can improve the players, that means the team will improve.

“Once the team improves, the results will improve. For me, it is about taking it one day at a time and working very hard in training to ensure we give players opportunities and help them improve.

“And that is not only with the first team. We also have to go down to the juniors, the DDC — the second most important team in the club.

“We have to make sure we look after the future of the club. We are spending a lot of time there, and we have the DDC head coach [Ashraf Hendricks] supporting us at training every day.

“When I look at those things, that is what pushes me to work even harder every single day.”

Badela had been without a club after being released by Chippa United, where he was in charge for just two matches. His last game came against Durban City, who beat Chippa 1–0 through a goal by Joslin Kamatuka in August.

At Durban City, there is little room for Badela to hide, with Middendorp appearing very hands-on in his role.

The experienced German mentor is at training by 6am, and by the time the rest of the staff and players arrive, he is already there.

Middendorp is well versed in the PSL, having coached Kaizer Chiefs twice and narrowly missing out on the league title in the 2019/20 season. He also had four stints at Maritzburg United before the club was rebranded as Durban City at the start of last season.

This means Badela will be under close scrutiny, as Middendorp has a deep understanding of coaching and full oversight of the technical department.

“I don’t see this as pressure,” said Badela.

“As professionals, we have to deliver every day. Pressure is not having work, needing to feed your family and not knowing where the money will come from — that is pressure.

“Doing something you love is not pressure. I don’t feel pushed. I don’t feel pressure when it comes to preparing my team and making sure I give my best every day so the team can follow.”

Badela’s first match in charge will be against Polokwane City at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday.