Durban City FC are weighing up a potential move for Eric Tinkler following his recent exit from Sekhukhune United. There remains uncertainty over interim coach Pitso Dladla’s long-term future at the club.
The 2026 Nedbank Cup finalists, Durban City chairman Farook Kadodia, recently confirmed that no decision had been made regarding the permanent head coach role, despite Dladla’s impressive turnaround since taking charge in February.
Dladla, a long-serving figure at the club, has steadied the ship during a turbulent campaign. He has guided Durban City to sixth place in the Betway Premiership and into the Nedbank Cup final, where they will face TS Galaxy. The Nedbank Cup final is set for 2 May, 2026.
Durban City, who gained promotion to the top flight at the end of last season, began the campaign under Gavin Hunt before turning to Sinethemba Badela. Badela’s tenure lasted just two matches, and Dladla was then appointed on an interim basis for the remainder of the season.
Despite the resurgence, Kadodia remained cautious, insisting that he would not comment on the head coach position at the moment. According to club sources, he has made it clear that every technical team member will be reviewed at the end of the season.
WHEN DURBAN CITY ARE LIKELY TO APPOINT A SUBSTANTIVE COACH
Dladla, meanwhile, has openly expressed his desire to take the role permanently but has also emphasised personal development. Should the club win the Nedbank Cup, they will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup, and Dladla still needs to complete his CAF coaching badges to strengthen his credentials.
However, the KZN side’s interest in Tinkler adds a new dimension to the situation. The former Cape Town City coach, who recently parted ways with Babina Noko, brings a proven track record in South African football and could emerge as a strong contender should the club opt for a more seasoned appointment.
With the season approaching its conclusion, City’s hierarchy is said to be happy to turn to a more experienced option like Tinkler to lead the club next season. A final call is expected at the end of the campaign in June.
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