Durban City FC chairman Farook Kadodia has clarified the absence of technical director Ernst Middendorp from the club in recent days.
The former Kaizer Chiefs coach, Middendorp, has not been attending training sessions lately and was also absent from City’s 2-0 victory over TS Galaxy last Friday in the Betway Premiership, fueling speculation about his future.
This coincides with the recent departure of head coach Sinethemba Badela, who has been replaced on an interim basis by Pitso Dladla.
The club’s chairman has dismissed the suggestion that Middendorp had been sidelined. According to the City boss, the situation is far less dramatic than the speculation suggests.
“He [Middendorp] had a weekend break. That’s all. Otherwise, he’s here. He’s not suspended,” Kadodia told FARPost. “On the club’s side, the reality is that there are a few changes, but nobody has been suspended… He is still employed at the club.”
ADDRESSING THE BADELA EXIT

The speculation linked to Middendorp partly centres on Badela’s exit, with some suggesting the Technical Director played a role in the coaching change. However, Kadodia was adamant in correcting this record, taking full responsibility for the technical team changes.
He confirmed the choice to part ways with Badela was his alone. Kadodia noted that Middendorp was actually “very supportive” of Badela during his tenure.
“A lot of people were linking him [Middendorp] to the termination of Badela’s contract, which was totally incorrect. I made the decision. Coach Middendorp was very supportive of him [Badela],” he added.
The club is currently navigating a period of transition, but Middendorp’s contract and role remain intact.
Dladla, in his first game in charge, secured a 2-0 victory over TS Galaxy in a Betway Premiership match last Friday at Chatsworth Stadium. His next challenge is a Nedbank Cup away game in the Northern Cape against Motsepe Foundation Championship side Upington City FC.
Thereafter, they will face Marumo Gallants in Bloemfontein for a league match. The Premiership newcomers have accumulated 28 points after 18 games and aim to finish the season strongly.