Durban City FC chairman Farook Kadodia has explained why the club decided against signing former Orlando Pirates and TS Galaxy striker Thamsanqa Gabuza.
The 37-year-old forward was among the players who went through assessment during the pre-season.
He also took part in the provincial pre-season tournament KZN Premier Cup, where Durban City lost to Royal AM in the final.
Kadodia stated that Gabuza did not meet the club’s fitness expectations. The Ladysmith-born striker has been clubless for almost six months after departing TS Galaxy in February this year.
KADODIA EXPLAINS DURBAN CITY FC’S DECISION ON TRIALIST THAMSANQA GABUZA
“Look right now, I don’t think he was at the level that we wanted him,” said Kadodia. “So, it’s really hard to give judgement if the guys are fit. Right now, there is no Gabuza.
He further confirmed, “he wasn’t signed.”
Durban City commenced their 2024/25 season with a 2-1 triumph against Casric Stars on Friday evening at their new home ground, Chatsworth Stadium.
The club recently underwent a rebranding, abandoning the former name Maritzburg United and moving to Durban.
Kadodia, visibly thrilled by the team’s first win of the season, stated that the club aims for promotion to the Betway Premiership by the conclusion of the campaign.
DURBAN CITY CHAIRMAN KADODIA – ‘OUR TARGET IS PROMOTION’
“It was a very hard-fought game, scrappy for us,” he added.
“There is a lot of work on the ground. But overall, three points in the first game, that’s more satisfying.
“We just need to build what we started tonight.
“It’s a huge investment to play in the NFD, our target is promotion undoubtedly. But there’s a lot of hard work [to be done].
“We recognise the support; we need to build on the support and create the vibe that we had in Maritzburg.”