Durban City Sack Gavin Hunt Amidst Turmoil

Gavin Hunt leaves Durban City in eighth place

Durban City has parted ways with Gavin Hunt following a 2-0 loss to Orlando Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The country's most experienced coach was let go in a mutual agreement, with the club citing a need for a new direction to achieve their performance goals.

“The Board believes a new direction is necessary to achieve our performance goals...”

Gavin Hunt has parted ways with Durban City after a shocking 2-0 loss to Orlando Pirates. The country's most experienced coach was let go in a mutual agreement, with the club citing a need for a new direction to achieve their performance goals.

The decision comes after a review of the team's objectives and trajectory, with chairman Farook Kadodia stating that the split was made with the club's best interests at heart. Hunt, who had been with the club since the start of the season, leaves Durban City in eighth place in the Betway Premiership standings with 19 points from 14 games.

Reports suggest that Hunt's departure may be linked to behind-the-scenes tensions, including clashes with management and losing the dressing room. Assistant coach Pitso Dlada will take over on an interim basis, starting with Wednesday's match against Orbit College.

Gavin Hunt's departure from Durban City appears to be rooted in his differences with the club management, particularly chairman Farook Kadodia. Sources suggest Hunt, known for his traditional coaching style, struggled to adapt to modern methods and science, preferring to rely on his instincts and observations.

The rift between Hunt and the management reportedly extended to squad development, with Hunt expressing frustration over signings made without his input. His old-school approach clashed with the club's vision, leading to a breakdown in their working relationship.

“Durban City Football Club can confirm that the Club and Head Coach Gavin Hunt have parted ways by mutual agreement, effective immediately,” it said. “The decision follows discussions between the Club’s Board of Directors and Hunt, concluding a thorough review of the team’s objectives and trajectory.

“This was a decision reached amicably in the best interests of the Club. We thank Gavin for his dedication and service during his time with us and wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.

Maritzburg United, previously known as Maritzburg United, has appointed assistant coach Pitso Dladla to lead the team against Orbit College on Wednesday. This move comes as the team is looking to bounce back from their current seventh-place position in the league standings with 18 points after 12 games.

Dladla's experience will be crucial in guiding the team, having previously led Richards Bay to the DStv Premiership title in the 2021/22 season. He joins Maritzburg United after serving as an assistant coach, and his appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the team's performance.

“The Board believes a new direction is necessary to achieve our performance goals.”

Gavin Hunt's departure from Durban City stems from his desire for more control over squad development, which wasn't forthcoming. He wanted the freedom to craft the squad according to his vision but faced resistance from the management, leading to constant clashes.

New direction for Durban City FC as Hunt departs

Durban City Football Club can confirm that Head Coach Gavin Hunt has left the Club by
mutual consent.

The decision follows a review of the footballing strategy conducted by the Board of
Directors, which concluded a new approach… pic.twitter.com/GEG0HKLmy6

— Durban City FC (@DurbanCity_FC) December 1, 2025

The tension between Hunt and the club's management, led by chairman Farook Kadodia, ultimately led to his exit. This isn't the first time the club has faced turmoil, as technical director Ernst Middendorp quit earlier this season due to ideological differences with Hunt.

The partnership between Gavin Hunt and Ernst Middendorp was doomed from the start, given their strong and uncompromising personalities. The writing was on the wall when Middendorp quit after just three months, citing ideological differences with Hunt.

With Hunt now gone, speculation is rife about Middendorp's potential return. Given their past working relationship and Kadodia's faith in Middendorp, it's possible he could be brought back to steer the ship.

Gavin Hunt leaves Durban City in eighth place in the Betway Premiership standings with 19 points from 14 games. He guided the team through their first season back in the top flight after relegation and rebranding from Maritzburg United.

Hunt's departure marks the end of an era, with the 2-0 loss to Pirates being his 1019th game as a coach in South African football – a record in itself. His experience and expertise will be a significant loss to the team.