Dladla Rules Himself Out Of Durban City Job

Pitso Dladla has ruled himself out of taking the head coach position permanently at Durban City FC, stressing that his immediate priority is obtaining his CAF A Licence.

Dladla, who currently holds a CAF B Licence, believes stepping into the full-time head coach role at this stage could delay his coaching development and studies.

He confirmed that he has been appointed caretaker coach following the dismissal of Sinethemba Badela.

Dladla Focused on Coaching Qualifications

“With me, my situation is clear. I know my position with my chairman [Farook Kadodia], management and the board of directors,” said Dladla.

“It is also important to highlight this so that my employers understand. I have my own ambitions as a person, and one of those is obtaining my CAF A Licence.

“There are other ambitions as well — I still need to learn and grow as a coach. I completed my CAF B Licence with this very same team. Right now, what is most important for me personally is to complete the CAF A Licence.

“If the opportunity arises for me to take the job permanently, that would be a blessing for the team, and that is clear. But I want to give clarity because people often focus only on the employer’s side and not on what the employee wants or whether he is ready to take over.

“These qualifications are important to me, and it becomes difficult to continue studying if you are already in that head coach position.”

Positive Start as Interim Coach

Since Badela’s departure, Dladla has made an immediate impact. He guided Durban City to a 2-0 victory over TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership at Chatsworth Stadium on Friday.

It marked the second time Dladla has secured a win while serving as interim coach, having previously led the team to victory over Orbit College FC in December after the exit of Gavin Hunt.

When pressed about his current role at the club, Dladla was firm in his response.

“If you listened carefully, you would have read between the lines,” he said.

“I have personal ambitions that I want to achieve, and for me it is clear — I am the interim coach.

“The club will look for a permanent head coach. That is clear and not hidden.”

Nedbank Cup Round of 16 Awaits

Durban City now turn their focus to the Nedbank Cup, where they will face Upington City FC in the round of 16 at Mxolisi Jacobs Dicky Stadium on Saturday (15:00).

With Dladla at the helm on a temporary basis, the club will be hoping to maintain momentum while management continues the search for a permanent head coach.