Durban City FC have announced the appointment of Sinethemba Badela as the club’s new head coach.
The 35-year-old was appointed as their new head coach with immediate effect and he succeeds Gavin Hunt.
Badela joins the Durban-based outfit after he parted ways with Chippa United after taking charge of just two matches.
“We are delighted to welcome Coach Badela to Durban City FC,” Club Chairman Farook Kadodia said.
“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.
“This comprehensive restructuring, from the first team down to our Diski Challenge side, underscores our commitment to stability and long-term success.
“We have full confidence in this new technical team to bring a winning identity back to our club and make our supporters proud.
Durban City FC have released the following statement on the matter, which reads:
Durban City FC is pleased to announce the appointment of Sinethemba Badela as the club’s new Head Coach with immediate effect.
Badela replaces Gavin Hunt, whose tenure concluded last month. This appointment marks a key step in the club’s ongoing technical restructuring.
Badela brings a wealth of recent top-flight experience to the Citizens. Most notably, he served as Head Coach of Chippa United FC. Prior to that, he honed his skills as an assistant coach to Rulani Mokwena at Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club and coached the Diski Challenge team at Mamelodi Sundowns.
His coaching philosophy is rooted in modern, progressive football and youth development.
The club can also confirm the broader stabilisation of its technical structure. Assistant Coach Pitso Dladla, who oversaw an impressive 3-0 away victory against Orbit College in the interim, will remain a vital part of the first-team setup alongside Goalkeeper Coach Rowen Fernandez.
Further strengthening the club’s developmental pathway, Ashraf Hendricks has been appointed as the new Head Coach of the DStv Diski Challenge side. Hendricks, whose playing career included stints at Bidvest Wits and Moroka Swallows and national team representation, will be tasked with nurturing the next generation of talent.
The club is also pleased to welcome back Ernst Middendorp, who returns to Durban City FC in the role of Technical Director, providing strategic oversight across all football operations.
The new coaching team will take charge as Durban City FC, currently 7th in the Betway Premiership with 22 points, prepares for the resumption of the league in late January following the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
