Durban City latest: Ernst Middendorp clears his name
Ernst Middendorp has distanced himself from claims that he’s been influential in Durban City firing two coaches this season.
Durban City Technical Director Ernst Middendorp has cleared himself of any wrongdoing in the departure of coaches at the club.
Middendorp has widely been blamed for the sacking of both Gavin Hunt and Sinethemba Badela as head coaches.
Hunt started the season with Durban City but he was sacked in December 2025 despite taking the club to position eight on the log.
Badela, on the other hand, was roped soon afterwards but he has also been sacked after just three games in charge.
Now, Middendorp said he cannot be blamed for Hunt’s departure as he had long left Durban City when that happened.
Furthermore, the 67-year-old mentor said he has no intentions to take over from Badela as Durban City head coach.
Middendorp said he supported Badela both professionally and structurally in line with his mandate to ensure that Durban City thrive.
DURBAN CITY: ERNST MIDDENDORP CLEARS THE AIR
“I was not connected to Durban City FC at the time the club released Gavin Hunt at the end of November 2025; I left the club at the end of September 2025,” wrote Middendorp on LinkedIn.
“Officially, I joined Durban City FC on 15 December 2025 in the role of Technical Director again. I have no interest in, nor have I pursued, the position of Head Coach at Durban City FC.
“There has never been any intention or scenario in which I would follow Themba Badela in the Head Coach role.
“Throughout my tenure, I have fully supported the Head Coach, both professionally and structurally, in line with my mandate as Technical Director and in the best interests of the club.”
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE CITIZENS?
Durban City are yet to indicate as to who will lead the team for the remainder of the season but assistant coach Simo Dladla is still with the team.
The Citizens have 13 crucial league games left for the current season, and their objective is to retain their PSL status.
They are also in the Last 16 of the Nedbank Cup following their penalty shootout win over Chippa United last week.