Betway Premiership outfit Durban City FC has overhauled its technical leadership, appointing Sinethemba Badela as head coach, while welcoming back the experienced Ernst Middendorp in a reappointed role as technical director.
Badela takes over a seat recently vacated by Gavin Hunt, whose tenure ended after the board decided a change in philosophy was necessary to meet the club’s evolving goals.
While Pitso Dladla steadied the ship during the interim period—securing a vital win in his short stint—the club has now opted for the ‘modern and progressive’ direction promised by the Badela-Middendorp partnership.
In a statement released on Friday, the Durban-based outfit highlighted that Badela—a former Mamelodi Sundowns DDC coach—will bring a modern and progressive tactical approach to the ‘Citizens’ bench.”
DURBAN CITY APPOINT GAVIN HUNT’S REPLACEMENT
“Durban City FC is pleased to announce the appointment of Sinethemba Badela as the club’s new Head Coach,” the club said. “Coach Badela brings valuable top-flight experience and a modern, progressive approach to the game, with a strong focus on youth development.
“We welcome him to the Citizens family as we continue to build towards an exciting future.”
Meanwhile, the club also confirmed that assistant coach Dladla will remain a vital part of the first-team setup alongside goalkeeper coach Rowen Fernandez.
SINETHEMBA BADELA RETURNS TO TOP TIER FOOTBALL
It’s Badela’s second job in the Betway Premiership this season. He began the campaign as the man in charge at Chippa United. But Badela was surprisingly fired at the club after what seemed like a fallout between him and the technical director, Sinesipho Mali. Mali, who also serves as Bafana Bafana scout, has since also left the ‘Chilli Boys’
In addition, the club has reappointed Ernst Middendorp as its technical director.
Middendorp held the position before but left at the beginning of the season. This was after a reported clash of ideas with Hunt.
Ashraf Hendricks has been appointed as the new head coach of the Durban City DStv Diski Challenge side, taking over from Daine Klate.
RELATED STORY: Badela makes surprising claim about Chippa United sacking