Just a week after chairman Farook Kadodia attempted to quell speculation regarding his absence, Durban City FC has relieved technical director Ernst Middendorp of his duties.
The departure of the veteran German tactician marks the latest chapter in a turbulent season for the Betway Premiership newcomers, coming shortly after the exit of head coach Sinethemba Badela.
The news comes as a significant U-turn from the club’s stance last week. After Middendorp was notably absent from training sessions and the club’s recent 2-0 victory over TS Galaxy, speculation began to swirl that the former Kaizer Chiefs mentor was on his way out.
At the time, Kadodia moved swiftly to dismiss these reports, telling FARPost: “He [Middendorp] had a weekend break. That’s all. Otherwise, he’s here. He’s not suspended… He is still employed at the club.”
However, sources close to the club have now confirmed that the “break” has turned into a final parting of ways.
MIDDENDORP DEPARTS A WEEK AFTER KADODIA DENIED RUMOURS
Middendorp’s second stint as technical director, having returned to the role in December 2025, ends amidst a broader restructuring of the technical bench.
The timing of Middendorp’s exit has inevitably been linked to the departure of Sinethemba Badela. While many suggested Middendorp may have influenced the decision to replace Badela, Kadodia has been firm in taking sole responsibility for that change.
“A lot of people were linking him [Middendorp] to the termination of Badela’s contract, which was totally incorrect,” Kadodia stated recently. He emphasised that Middendorp had actually been “very supportive” of the young coach during his short tenure.
Meanwhile, in a press release on Thursday, the club expressed its gratitude to the former Kaizer Chiefs tactician, stating that his tenure has reached its end.
“Durban City FC confirms that Technical Director Ernst Middendorp has completed his short-term contract with the club, having fulfilled the specific mandate for which he was engaged,” said the club.
“Middendorp rejoined Durban City FC on 15 December 2025. His brief focused on stabilising and strengthening the club’s technical structures during a period of transition, and that mandate has now been brought to its planned conclusion.
“The club thanks Ernst Middendorp for his professionalism and commitment during his time with us and wishes him success in his future endeavours.”
A day later, on Friday, Middendorp took to LinkedIn to confirm his departure, pointing out the ‘strategic clarity’ he had established during his tenure at the club.
‘MY TIME AT DURBAN CITY FC HAS COME TO AN END’
“As of February 2026, Durban City FC are enjoying a very positive season in the PSL, currently positioned strongly within the top-8. For a newly promoted team, maintaining a consistent Top-8 position reflects strategic planning, squad balance, and collective belief,” said the ex-Chiefs coach.
“In addition, the club has reached the Quarter-Final stage of the Nedbank Cup, underlining the competitive spirit and ambition within the squad.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute my experience and expertise to this successful journey. My focus was on strengthening the club’s football structure, aligning recruitment and performance processes, and providing strategic clarity.
“A key part of my contribution as Technical Director was recruiting and shaping a well-balanced squad for the first PSL season. The focus was on combining experience and leadership with emerging talent, ensuring positional depth, tactical flexibility, and strong character within the group.
“I sincerely wish the club continued success in the remaining 12 PSL games and further progress in the Nedbank Cup.”
PITSO DLADLA STEADYING THE DURBAN CITY SHIP
Despite the off-field distractions, the team has found a groove under interim coach Pitso Dladla. Since taking the reins, Dladla has secured a 2-0 league win against Galaxy at Chatsworth Stadium.
The Citizens also advanced in the Nedbank Cup following a gritty penalty shootout victory over Upington City FC in the Northern Cape.
Durban City currently sits in a respectable position with 28 points after 18 games. The mandate for Dladla remains to maintain the momentum and push for a strong top-half finish.
The Citizens are shifting focus to their upcoming clash against Marumo Gallants in Pretoria this weekend.
Gallants had to move their fixture to the Lucas Moripe Stadium after the PSL instructed that an upgrade be done at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium after the venue’s conditions fell below the required standards.
With the technical director post now vacant for the second time this season, all eyes will be on Kadodia to see if he seeks another veteran administrator.
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