Badela Sacked By City Just Three Matches

Durban City have parted ways with head coach Sinethemba Badela.

Badela was appointed on 26 December last year as a replacement for Gavin Hunt. However, his departure has been immediate, despite having overseen just three matches in charge.

On his unveiling last month, this website reported that Badela was on borrowed time to hit the ground running, but the club disputed that.

Badela’s first game at the helm was a victory over Polokwane City on 25 January, followed by a defeat to his former club, Chippa United, last weekend. The two sides met this past weekend in the Nedbank Cup round of 32, where Durban City advanced after winning on penalties.

During the game, the club technical director, Ernst Middendorp, told Sportswire that Badela deserved support and should not be “crucified”.

Middendorp added that Badela is his own man and that he does not interfere with his work during matches.

Sportswire has attempted to obtain a comment from club chairman Farook Kadodia, but without success. However, a source has indicated that the club will release an official statement confirming Badela’s departure on Monday.

It remains to be seen who will take charge when Durban City host TS Galaxy on Friday. At this stage, Middendorp or assistant coach Pitso Dladla are the leading candidates to oversee the team for that fixture.