“Society Works When Football Works”: Kadodia’s Emotional Plea At Durban City Gala

Durban City were honoured at a gala dinner held at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani on Sunday to celebrate their Nedbank Cup triumph.

City came from behind to defeat TS Galaxy in the Ke Yona Cup final at Peter Mokaba Stadium last weekend.

The gala dinner was attended by club officials, including chairman Farook Kadodia, players, and members of the technical team.

Also in attendance were the club’s sponsors, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture Mntomuhle Khawula, and KZN Premier Thami Ntuli.

“The victory has done more than deliver silverware,” the department said.

“It has restored pride to KwaZulu-Natal and brought honour to the nation, reminding South Africa of the province’s depth of football talent and the power of its sporting development pathways.

“For young players in townships and rural communities across KZN, the triumph stands as proof that excellence is attainable and that local dreams can reach the national stage.

“The celebration fulfils MEC Khawula’s public commitment that provincial recognition would follow if the club delivered success. By bringing together football leadership, representatives from various sporting codes, and senior government officials, the dinner framed the victory as a KZN-wide achievement and a catalyst for unity, youth development, and economic opportunity through sport.

“Tonight, Durban City FC are celebrated not only as Nedbank Cup champions, but also as standard-bearers for KZN’s resurgence as a producer of champions.”

Durban City became the first KwaZulu-Natal club to win a major trophy since Lamontville Golden Arrows lifted the MTN8 in 2009 — ending a 17-year wait for major silverware in the province. The department also honoured Abafana Bes’thende with a gala dinner following that triumph.

City’s achievement is even more remarkable considering the club was rebranded from Maritzburg United at the start of last season, a move that ultimately helped pave the way for their promotion to top-flight football.

That came after the club was controversially forced out of Harry Gwala Stadium.

Chairman Kadodia, who has played a major role in the club’s growth, admitted he was overwhelmed by the occasion.

“Football in KZN should not have to wait two decades to celebrate this kind of success,” Kadodia said during his address.

“Clubs in KZN cannot continue merely surviving from season to season. Football must become an industry; it must become a development pipeline. It must become a source of pride, jobs, tourism, and social stability.

“Honourable Premier, tonight I want to respectfully call on government, municipal officials, business leaders, and all stakeholders — let us build a football powerhouse in KwaZulu-Natal.

“It cannot be about one successful club or one fortunate generation, but about creating a sustainable football ecosystem across the province.

“Because when football works, society works. Football keeps young people away from drugs, gangsterism, and crime. Football teaches discipline, teamwork, and responsibility.

“Football creates role models in communities where hope is often limited.”