Newly promoted Durban City FC and veteran coach Gavin Hunt could be headed for a shock split before the start of the second half of the season.
Sources close to the club indicate that exit talks are currently underway, suggesting a shock separation could be imminent.
Durban City, formerly known as Maritzburg United, earned promotion to the Betway Premiership this season. Despite sitting in a seemingly respectable eighth position after 14 games, the mood within the Durban City camp is reportedly one of dissatisfaction regarding the team’s performances under the four-time Premiership-winning coach.
Hunt’s recent 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants may have only bought him a temporary reprieve. It is highly speculated that a loss in that fixture, following a streak of three consecutive defeats, would have led to his dismissal.
Durban City’s current record stands at five wins, four draws, and five losses. While the points tally [19] keeps them firmly in the mid-table, the manner of play is understood to be the primary cause for concern among the club hierarchy.
WILL HUNT BE IN CHARGE OF DURBAN CITY AGAINST ORBIT COLLEGE?
Durban City have just one fixture remaining before the extended AFCON break. It’s an away trip to face fellow promoted side Orbit College FC at the Olympia Park in Rustenburg on Wednesday.
However, the mounting speculation suggests Hunt may not even be on the bench for that encounter. “Discussions are at a very sensitive stage, and there’s a strong possibility that an interim coach could take charge against Orbit College,” claimed a source speaking on condition of anonymity.
The club also believes that the extended AFCON break could provide a new coach with more time to prepare the team for the second half of the season.
Hunt’s arrival was initially seen as a major coup and a statement of intent for the newly promoted side. He replaced Simo Dladla, the man who steered the club to promotion. The decision to bring in the former Kaizer Chiefs coach was reportedly based on the club’s fear that Dladla, despite his success, lacked the necessary experience to navigate the highly competitive Betway Premiership.
Dladla subsequently joined city neighbours AmaZulu FC and is now serving as assistant to Arthur Zwane.
For Hunt, the Durban City role marked his return to the dugout after a brief hiatus. He had previously left SuperSport United in March 2025 following a string of unfavourable results, an exit that came shortly after celebrating his remarkable 1000th game as a coach.
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