Badela: Middendorp Gives Me Freedom
New Durban City coach Sinethemba Badela has dismissed suggestions that technical director Ernst Middendorp is interfering in his work, saying the experienced German gives him the freedom to do his job.
Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena once remarked that he would welcome the opportunity to work as an assistant under Middendorp, believing it would allow him to gain deeper insight into the German’s football philosophy.
Badela recently worked alongside Mokwena at Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca, but the coaching staff was released before the end of the season following a run of unsatisfactory results.
Middendorp, meanwhile, is widely regarded in the PSL as one of the most astute tacticians, a reputation he reinforced during his second spell at Kaizer Chiefs between 2018 and 2020, where he organised a competitive and disciplined side.
The German was appointed Durban City’s technical director during the off-season, but it was rumoured later suggested that he struggled to see eye to eye with then head coach Gavin Hunt.
Amid rumours that Middendorp was eyeing the Durban City head coach role, he exited his position after just three months as Hunt’s authority grew and results began to improve.
Following Hunt’s dismissal in December, Middendorp returned to the club in the same technical director role and is now working closely with Badela, who was appointed head coach on 26 December.
When Badela was introduced to the media on Thursday, Middendorp sat quietly at the far end of the press room, attentively listening to everything the young coach had to say — a moment that some observers found slightly uncomfortable.
Whether the two can build a long-term working relationship remains to be seen, particularly given Middendorp’s deep tactical knowledge and hands-on approach, including his habit of arriving at training before anyone else.
However, Badela insists the relationship is positive and beneficial.
“It’s a lot, and I see it as a blessing,” said Badela.
“He gives me the freedom to work, which is what any young coach needs. You need support, but you also need freedom.”
Badela added that their contrasting working styles complement each other.
“He is a little bit opposite to me. I work late into the night, while he works early in the morning. When I wake up, he has already sent me ideas and different things to think about.
“We have a good relationship. I learn a lot from him every day, and whenever I’m unsure about something, his door is always open.”
“I’m grateful to have someone like him — someone who has been there and done that. He understands what a coach needs and is very supportive. I honestly couldn’t ask for more.”
Badela, who was sacked by Chippa United after just two matches at the start of the season, will take charge of his first match for Durban City when they face Polokwane City in a Betway Premiership encounter at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday.
