Kadodia addresses Maritzburg return prospects amid Royal AM expulsion rumours
Durban City FC chairman Farouk Kadodia has addressed Maritzburg United’s return prospects should the troubled Royal AM get expelled from the Betway Premiership.
Thwihli Thwahla’s fixtures for both the league and Nedbank Cup have been suspended by the PSL, citing concerns over the club’s financial solvency and future commitments for the 2024/25 season.
According to SABC Sport, the league’s mother body is looking at the possibility of expelling the Pietermaritzburg-based club.
It will be recalled that following Maritzburg United FC’s relegation in 2023, the Msunduzi Municipality switched its sponsorship to Royal AM, ending its support for the Team of Choice.
The Shauwn Mkhize-owned club was also granted the rights to use Harry Gwala Stadium which was the Team of Choice’s home venue for several years.
Maritzburg United then rebranded as Durban City FC and moved to Chatsworth, Durban, at the beginning of this season.
Kadodia has confirmed that even if Royal AM is expelled from the league, Durban City, who compete in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, will not consider moving back to Pietermaritzburg.
He explained that they had communicated clearly to the Msunduzi Municipality that their rebranding to Durban City and relocation was a permanent move.
FAROUK KADODIA – ‘WE MADE IT CLEAR TO THEM’
“No, no, no [we’re not going back]. When we came to Durban, we made it clear to all stakeholders,” said Kadodia.
“We gave the Msunduzi [Municipality] a chance. We spoke to them and we told them once we’re rebranding, then it’s goodbye to Maritzburg.”
Kadodia also expressed that even if desperate, he believes it would be “shameful” to ask for sponsorship from the very people who forced them out of Pietermaritzburg.
DURBAN CITY CHAIRMAN SAYS IT WOULD BE A ‘SHAME’ TO RETURN TO MARITZBURG
“I think this damage was done by all the relevant people from [Msunduzi Municipality] and whoever else it was,” he added.
“Because at the end of the day, the reality is we were really pushed out of Maritzburg [after] 20 years [there], and we got kicked out of Maritzburg literally.
“So, I think it would be a shame for us to basically run back and ask for help. I think Durban has responded very well. We need to grow this brand.”
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