Kadodia On Middendorp’s Role: No Interference With Hunt
Durban City chairman Farook Kadodia has unequivocally stated that Ernst Middendorp will focus solely on his role as technical director and will not interfere with head coach Gavin Hunt.
Middendorp and Kadodia share a long history, particularly during their time at Maritzburg United before the club was rebranded at the start of last season. The former Kaizer Chiefs coach had four stints with Maritzburg, twice successfully saving them from relegation.
However, Middendorp joins Durban City following challenging periods with Cape Town Spurs. That club faced successive relegations, dropping to the Motsepe Foundation Championship during the 2023/24 season and further to the ABC Motsepe Regional League last season.
Naturally, some concerns have arisen that his recent track record might cast a “dark cloud” over Durban City.
Kadodia, however, has clarified Middendorp’s specific role to alleviate these worries. “The important thing is, specifically, it is why we have Gavin as the head coach. Coach Ernst is basically, as you rightfully said, he comes a long way with the club; there is a clear understanding,” Kadodia explained.
He continued, “People are surprised why we repeatedly brought him back to Maritzburg. People can attest to the fact that we brought him back because he had the hunger to do the job at that time. I firmly believe that, and I have encouraged him to be out of the coaching project and focused purely onto the technical side of the technical director and set up structures for us in the DDC because that is very important.”
The common saying, “two bulls cannot be in one kraal,” highlights a potential concern given that both Hunt and Middendorp are strong-willed, experienced figures in the coaching industry who might not always see eye-to-eye on technical matters.
Addressing this directly, Kadodia said, “That is an interesting question, and many people were surprised by the appointment of both – Gavin Hunt and Ernst Middendorp. …There is a clear definition of football director and the head coach.”
Kadodia’s remarks were made on Tuesday after the newly promoted club announced its partnership with BMW Supertech in the South of Durban. Both Hunt and Middendorp were present when the club received its new fleet of vehicles from the brand.
