Sinethemba Badela is the new coach of Durban City! | OneFootball

Middendorp reappointed is also the club's new sporting director.

Sinethemba Badela is the new coach of Durban City!

Durban City FC has unveiled a major restructuring of its technical team, marking a decisive shift in direction. The Betway Premiership club confirmed the appointment of Sinethemba Badela as the new head coach, while announcing the return of Ernst Middendorp to the role of technical director.

The move follows the recent departure of former head coach Gavin Hunt. The club’s board stated that a strategic review necessitated a fresh approach to meet their sporting objectives. Assistant coach Pitso Dladla, who served on an interim basis, will remain integral to the first-team staff alongside goalkeeper coach Rowen Fernandez.

In an official club statement, the Citizens expressed their confidence in the new appointee: “Durban City FC is pleased to announce the appointment of Sinethemba Badela as the club’s new Head Coach. 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.”

This appointment marks Badela’s second head coaching role in the Premiership this season. He began the campaign leading Chippa United but was relieved of his duties following a reported disagreement with the club’s then-technical director, Sinesipho Mali. Both figures have since parted ways with the Chilli Boys.

In a parallel development, the club has reinstated Ernst Middendorp as technical director, a position he previously held before exiting at the start of the season. His initial departure was widely linked to a clash of philosophies with former coach Gavin Hunt. His return signals a consolidation of the club’s new technical vision.