Kadodia Rules Out Maritzburg Return, Even With Durban City Promotion

Durban City chairman Farook Kadodia has stated unequivocally that he will not return to Pietermaritzburg, even if the club earns promotion at the end of the season.

City was rebranded from Maritzburg United ahead of this season. Kadodia explained that he felt forced out of the city after 20 years of service and playing matches at Harry Gwala Stadium. This followed the club’s relegation at the end of the 2022/23 season via the PSL promotion playoffs.

After Maritzburg United’s relegation, the Msunduzi Municipality terminated their contract and instead partnered with Royal AM, who were granted free use of Harry Gwala Stadium and received R27 million over three seasons, as they were 10 kilometers from the city.

Maritzburg United memorabilia was removed from the stadium walls and replaced with Royal AM’s, signaling Kadodia’s unwelcome status at the stadium and within the municipality.

However, Royal AM is currently facing significant financial difficulties and may be expelled from the league this season. They have not played a match since the beginning of the year due to club president Shauwn Mkhize’s assets being seized by the South African Revenue Service. They currently sit at the bottom of the league table with several games in hand.

Meanwhile, Durban City is performing well in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, currently leading the league with 37 points after 18 matches, five points ahead of second-placed Orbit College.

When asked by Sportswire if he would consider returning to Harry Gwala Stadium should the club be promoted, Kadodia responded emphatically, “No, no, no. When we came to Durban, we made it clear to all stakeholders. We gave Msunduzi Municipality a chance. We spoke to them and told them that, once we are rebranding, then it is goodbye to Maritzburg.”

Kadodia was pressed on the possibility of a revival of Maritzburg United, to which he replied, “No, no at all.”

The club was rebranded to Durban City, as Kadodia explained that it was illogical to call the club Maritzburg United when their matches are played in Durban. Hence, the name Durban City was chosen.

Kadodia made these comments after Durban City’s 2-1 victory over TS Galaxy in the Nedbank Cup round of 16 at Chatsworth Stadium on Friday. The club is now in the draw for the quarter-finals on Monday.

Maritzburg United, under Kadodia’s leadership, came close to winning the Nedbank Cup in the 2017/18 season but lost to Free State Stars in the final in Cape Town.