Newly promoted Betway Premiership side Durban City are exploring their coaching options as the future of head coach Simo Dladla remains uncertain.
The club has reportedly reached out to three experienced coaches while also engaging in contract negotiations with Dladla, the man who successfully led the team to promotion.
The 2024/25 Motsepe Foundation Championship winners, formerly known as Maritzburg United, are looking to bolster their technical staff to meet the demands of the top division.
Dladla has been with the club for some time, initially serving as an assistant to Zipho Dlangalala from July 2023, following the team’s relegation from the Premiership. He stepped into the role of head coach in December 2023, after Dlangalala’s departure, and guided the team to an impressive fourth-place finish, 11 points behind champions Magesi FC.
After a complete season at the helm, Dladla successfully secured promotion for the Durban-based side. However, it remains unclear whether the former Uthongathi coach will continue in his role for the upcoming season.
THREE COACHES DURBAN CITY IS CONSIDERING FOR THE HEAD COACH JOB
With at least six weeks remaining before the Betway Premiership begins, City chairman Farook Kadodia has engaged in discussions with Dladla regarding a new contract. However, the two parties have yet to reach an agreement.
FARPost reports that the club has also approached Owen Da Gama, who successfully saved Magesi FC from relegation last season. Da Gama joined the Limpopo side during the second half of the season on a short-term contract, and it remains uncertain whether he will continue into the next season.
Another candidate under consideration by the KZN side is former Cape Town Spurs technical director Sean Connor, who recently won the Orange FA Cup in Botswana.
The Irish coach is currently two weeks into a new role at Jwaneng Galaxy after spending the previous season at Matebele FC, where his performance drew the attention of the former Botswana champions. Connor will be tasked with guiding the team in the CAF Confederation Cup and is unlikely to accept a job in the PSL.
Durban City is also considering Roger De Sa, who is currently assisting Diogo Peral at Cape Town City. The Citizens are facing promotional/relegation playoffs, leaving De Sa’s future uncertain.
Despite these options, the Durban outfit may still revert to Dladla, who had previously promoted the club. Should they opt for a more experienced coach, they might consider appointing Dladla as an assistant. However, Dladla is reportedly attracting interest from three other clubs in the second-tier league.
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