EXCLUSIVE | Durban City's Sinethemba Badela set for exit door after only three games in charge

In a shocking turn of events, Durban City FC head coach Sinethemba Badela may be on the verge of leaving the club after only three games in charge. 

Sources close to the club revealed that while Badela was present at the training base on Monday, he did not lead the session, a move insiders say may be a clear signal of his possible exit. 

Badela, 35, took over in late December 2025, replacing Gavin Hunt, and was expected to inject fresh ideas and energy into a squad determined to consolidate its place in the Betway Premiership. 

His appointment coincided with a broader technical reshuffle, including the return of Ernst Middendorp as technical director, and was seen as a bold move to steer the Citizens forward.

In his first three matches, Badela oversaw two league games, earning one win and one loss, and a Nedbank Cup tie against Chippa United, where Durban City progressed to the last 16 of the competition. 

While the cup victory offered hope, inconsistencies in league results and recent developments appear to have unsettled the club hierarchy.

According to insiders, the club’s hierarchy had not been in full agreement with Badela over the signings he had made or was looking to make in the future, adding another layer of tension to his short tenure.

Coupled with his decision not to lead Monday’s training, these factors have fuelled speculation that Durban City is preparing for an imminent managerial change.

If confirmed, this would mark a swift end to Badela’s second high-profile coaching role of the season, following a brief stint at Chippa United earlier in the year. 

It underscores the pressures of top-flight football, where results, preparation, and alignment with club management are non-negotiable.

Durban City are expected to announce an interim coach imminently as they look to stabilise the squad and maintain momentum in both league and cup competitions. 

The club are currently in sixth spot on the Betway Premiership standings at the halfway mark and are in the battle for a top eight place in their first campaign back in the top flight. 

Supporters will be watching closely to see how the club navigates this sudden, potentially shocking change at the helm.

Durban City were contacted for a comment, but have yet to respond when this story was published.