Durban City Appoint Badela As New Coach In Boxing Day Shake-up

Durban City have stunned the footballing nation on Boxing Day by appointing Sinethemba Badela as their new head coach.

Badela replaces veteran coach Gavin Hunt, who was dismissed earlier this month following the club’s defeat to Orlando Pirates.

The 34-year-old takes over at Durban City after a brief spell at Chippa United, where he was relieved of his duties after just two matches in charge. Interestingly, his last game was against Durban City when Chippa drew.

“We are delighted to welcome Coach Badela to Durban City FC,” said club chairman Farook Kadodia. “He is a young, ambitious coach with a fresh tactical approach and a proven track record in developing players.

“We believe he is the right person to build on our current position and guide the first team to new heights this season.”

Meanwhile, assistant coach Pitso Dladla, who oversaw an impressive 3-0 away victory against Orbit College during his interim spell, will remain an integral part of the first-team setup alongside goalkeeper coach Rowen Fernandez.

As part of the club’s broader restructuring, Ashraf Hendricks has been appointed head coach of the DStv Diski Challenge side. Hendricks, a former Bidvest Wits and Moroka Swallows player who also represented the national team, will be tasked with nurturing the club’s next generation of talent.

Durban City have also confirmed the return of Ernst Middendorp, who re-joins the club as Technical Director, providing strategic oversight across all football operations.

“This comprehensive restructuring, from the first team down to our Diski Challenge side, underscores our commitment to stability and long-term success,” Kadodia added.

“We have full confidence in this new technical team to restore a winning identity at our club and make our supporters proud.”

The new coaching staff will take charge as Durban City, currently seventh on the Betway Premiership table with 22 points, prepare for the resumption of league action in late January following the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.