Inside Durban City’s call to hand Sinethemba Badela the reins

Sinethemba Badela recently emerged as Durban City’s new head coach after beating competition from former club mentor Simo Dladla and veteran tactician Roger De Sa, as the club opted for a decisive shift in technical direction during the 2025 AFCON break.

The appointment follows the exit of Gavin Hunt, whose departure was driven less by results and more by growing ideological differences with the club’s hierarchy. 

City’s board believed a change in philosophy was necessary to align the team with its evolving long-term objectives.

Timing proved crucial. The AFCON break presented the cleanest window for change, allowing the club to reset without disrupting their Betway Premiership campaign. 

While Dladla steadied the ship during his interim spell — including securing a vital win — the role was always under broader review.

A co-coaching model between Badela and Dladla was one of the options seriously considered. 

However, after internal deliberations, the club opted for a single head coach, preferring clarity of authority over a shared leadership structure.

That decision ultimately favoured Badela, who also harbors continental experience after his stint as assistant coach to Rulani Mokwena in Morocco two years ago.

At just 35, he is viewed as the embodiment of the “modern and progressive” approach Durban City want to embed. 

His openness to detailed technical analysis, data-driven preparation and collaborative structures aligned with a leadership group focused on long-term sustainability rather than reputation.

Badela’s appointment is reinforced by the return of Ernst Middendorp as technical director. Middendorp previously held the role before leaving earlier this season following reported clashes of ideas with Hunt. 

This time, the club believes the Badela–Middendorp partnership offers balance between innovation and experience.

It marks Badela’s second Betway Premiership role this season. He began the campaign at Chippa United but was dismissed following an apparent fallout with technical director Sinesipho Mali, who has since also exited the club. 

Durban City, however, viewed that episode as contextual rather than disqualifying.

Behind the scenes, frustration with Hunt’s methods had been building. 

Sources indicate the four-time league winner showed limited engagement with opposition analysis and was often dismissive of structured technical sessions arranged by the club’s analysts.

The situation reportedly escalated after a 3–1 Carling Knockout Cup defeat to Richards Bay FC, where Hunt allegedly ignored pre-match analysis — a decision the club felt directly influenced the outcome. 

Despite this, City delayed action until the AFCON break to ensure a controlled transition.

As part of the broader reshuffle, Ashraf Hendricks has been appointed head coach of the DStv Diski Challenge side, replacing Daine Klate, underlining the club’s desire for alignment across all levels.

In the end, Badela won the bid not simply because he was available, but because he most clearly represented Durban City’s future — structured, analytical and progressive, with a clear technical vision at the top.