The announcement of little-known Sterkspruit-born coach Sinethemba Badela as Durban City FC’s new head coach on Christmas Eve came as a surprise to many local football pundits. But the Chatsworth Stadium-based club meant business, moving swiftly and decisively to make the appointment official. The club’s management deserves credit for acting quickly to replace veteran coach Gavin Hunt, whose tenure ended in December, especially with the demanding second half of the season looming.
Although Badela (35) may not yet be a household name in KwaZulu-Natal, he is widely regarded as one of the country’s most promising and technically astute young coaches by those who know him. The young coach is far from inexperienced and brings solid credentials to the technical bench. His résumé also includes top-flight experience, having served as head coach of Chippa United and as assistant coach to Rulani Mokwena at Mamelodi Sundowns and Moroccan giants Wydad AC.
Durban City chairperson Farook Kadodia confirmed that the decision to appoint Badela followed careful consideration after Hunt’s early season struggles. While veteran Hunt arrived with an impressive reputation built on past successes, the club felt he would not be able to meet their long-term objectives. “We all know Gavin Hunt and his success is well documented.
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He came in as one of the country’s high-profile coaches, and we don’t doubt his credentials,” said Kadodia. “However, we realised that it was going to be difficult for him to take us where we want to be as a club. He was unlikely to meet the targets set when he took over.” Kadodia added that the club have full confidence in Badela and committed to supporting him in fulfilling Durban City’s vision. “We don’t want our coach to feel pressured,” he said.
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