Can Pitso Dladla Save Durban City’s Season After Hunt’s Sudden Departure?
In a surprising turn of events that has shaken South African football circles, Durban City FC has confirmed the immediate departure of head coach Gavin Hunt by mutual agreement, ending his brief five-month stint at the club. The newly promoted Betway Premiership side, currently sitting 11th on the log, will now be guided by assistant coach Pitso Dladla on an interim basis as they prepare for a crucial Nedbank Cup Round of 32 encounter against ORBIT College this Wednesday. The move comes amid reports of internal clashes over player signings, highlighting the pressures of top-flight football for a team still finding its feet after promotion.
Hunt, a veteran tactician with a storied career in the PSL, joined Durban City in July 2025 following the exit of previous coach Simo Dladla. His appointment was seen as a coup for the KwaZulu-Natal outfit, bringing experience and a winning mentality to a squad eager to establish itself in the elite division. However, the partnership has unravelled quicker than expected, leaving fans and pundits questioning the club’s direction as the season intensifies.
Behind the Split: Clashes and Mutual Agreement
The decision to part ways stems from reported tensions between Hunt and club chairman Farook Kadodia, particularly regarding the recruitment of new players. Sources close to the club indicate that disagreements over transfer targets and squad composition escalated in recent weeks, leading to a formal notice of intent to terminate Hunt’s contract. Despite the initial friction, both parties have framed the separation as amicable, with Durban City issuing a statement thanking Hunt for his contributions.
“Gavin Hunt’s five month tenure at the club is officially over,” read a brief club announcement, acknowledging his role in steering the team through their early Premiership campaign. Hunt, for his part, has yet to comment publicly, but his track record speaks volumes. The 60-year-old has lifted the league title four times—three with SuperSport United and once with Bidvest Wits—along with multiple cup triumphs, including a brief spell at Kaizer Chiefs where he won the CAF Champions League semi-final but faced domestic struggles.
Durban City’s rebranding from Maritzburg United earlier in 2025 marked a fresh start after securing promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship. The club, based in Pietermaritzburg but drawing support from across KZN, aimed to build on their second-tier success with Hunt’s expertise. Yet, the transition to the Premiership has proven challenging, with inconsistent results exposing gaps in the squad.
Team Performance: A Mixed Bag in the Premiership
Since their return to the top flight, Durban City have shown flashes of promise but struggled for consistency. After 12 matches in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, they sit in 11th place with 16 points—comprising four wins, four draws, and four losses. Their goal difference stands at -2, with 12 goals scored and 14 conceded, reflecting a solid defence but a blunt attack.
The campaign started brightly with a notable victory over Richards Bay in the KZN derby, but recent form has been dismal. The team suffered three consecutive defeats: a 1-0 loss to Marumo Gallants on 4 November 2025, a 0-0 draw turned sour in spirit against Richards Bay on 23 November, and a 2-0 home defeat to Orlando Pirates on 29 November 2025. In the Pirates clash, Durban City held firm for much of the game but crumbled late, with goals from Relebohile Mofokeng and Evidence Makgopa sealing the win for the visitors.
Hunt had called for resilience after the Marumo setback, urging his players not to sulk and to bounce back. “There’s no time to sulk,” he said post-match. However, the string of losses appears to have sealed his fate, with the club seeking a reset ahead of the busy festive period. Key players like midfielder Travis Graham and forward Lebo Maboe have been bright spots, but injuries and form dips have hampered progress.
Pitso Dladla Steps Up: Interim Role and Club Loyalty
With Hunt’s exit confirmed, assistant coach Pitso Dladla has been thrust into the spotlight as interim leader. Dladla, a long-serving figure at the club, was retained as Hunt’s right-hand man in July 2025 after initial plans to appoint Kaitano Tembo fell through due to contractual issues. His deep knowledge of the squad and passion for the team’s identity make him a natural choice for the temporary role.
In a September 2025 interview, Dladla spoke about forging the club’s identity: “As the squad prepares for its next challenge, the focus is on unity and precision.” More recently, after a vital win in mid-November, he highlighted the importance of victories in building momentum: “Our last victory was vital.” Fans will hope his steady hand can steady the ship, especially as the club searches for a permanent replacement.
Dladla’s interim tenure begins immediately, with the club emphasising continuity. “Pitso Dladla will be in charge of D1urban City when they take on Orbit College on Wednesday in the Betway Prem,” noted early reports, though the match is actually in the Nedbank Cup. His first task will be to rally the troops and address the defensive lapses that have plagued recent outings.
Upcoming Challenge: Nedbank Cup Clash Against ORBIT College
All eyes now turn to Wednesday’s Nedbank Cup Round of 32 fixture against ORBIT College, set for 19:30 at Olympia Park in Rustenburg. ORBIT, competing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, sit mid-table in the second division with a reputation for gritty performances at home. The teams have met before in lower leagues, but this cup tie represents a fresh test for Durban City.
A win could provide a much-needed boost, offering a pathway to silverware and morale lift amid league struggles. However, an upset loss to the lower-tier side would compound the club’s woes, especially with tough Premiership fixtures looming post-cup. Dladla will likely rely on experienced heads to navigate the tie, focusing on set-piece defending and counter-attacks.
What Next for Durban City and Gavin Hunt?
As Durban City embarks on a new chapter under interim management, the search for a long-term coach begins. Chairman Kadodia’s vision for the club remains ambitious, aiming to solidify their Premiership status and challenge for honours in future seasons. For Hunt, this marks another chapter in a nomadic coaching career; speculation links him to potential roles at other PSL clubs or even a return to former stomping grounds.
This development underscores the cut-throat nature of South African football, where results dictate fates. Fans of Durban City will hope Dladla’s leadership sparks a revival, starting with a positive result against ORBIT College. As the season unfolds, the club’s resilience will be key to avoiding a relegation scrap and building towards stability.
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