Durban City coach Gavin Hunt has refused to comment on the role of technical director Ernst Middendorp, who was seen taking notes about the game plan against TS Galaxy over the weekend.

Middendorp was appointed as City’s technical director during the off-season after being relegated twice with Cape Town Spurs. He was observed in the stands at Mbombela Stadium, focused on writing notes about “Plan A” and “Plan B” as City defeated Galaxy this past weekend.

This occurred despite City chairman Farook Kadodia’s previous statement that Middendorp was hired to establish structures across the club, including the DStv Diski Challenge and youth development

Kadodia had also mentioned he informed Middendorp to step back from coaching and focus on the development side of the game.

However, it seems this is not the case. Middendorp, who has coached Durban City four times and twice saved the club from relegation when it was known as Maritzburg United, was also in the stands on Wednesday as City beat Chippa United 1-0 at Chatsworth Stadium, placing them at the top of the Betway Premiership.

When asked where Middendorp would present the notes he took against Galaxy, Hunt replied, “I don’t know.”

When further questioned by Sportswire about whether Middendorp gave him a post-game presentation, the former SuperSport United coach simply laughed, said “Thank you, gents,” and walked away.

Hunt was also asked about his relationship with Middendorp, whom he replaced at Kaizer Chiefs before the 2020/21 season after Middendorp’s team lost the league title in the final minutes. Hunt’s short reply was, “We are fine, I coach the players, whatever.”

While Hunt may try to keep the matter private, it will be interesting to see how the situation develops, given that both coaches are known for their unfiltered and outspoken personalities.

Kadodia will likely have his hands full trying to manage the situation, as he will want to avoid a top-flight relegation after the team worked hard to gain promotion last season.