Durban City Parts Ways with Head Coach Gavin Hunt After Five Months: Clashes Over Club Direction Cited in Sudden Split
Football fans in South Africa were left stunned on Sunday as Durban City announced they are set to part ways with head coach Gavin Hunt, just five months into his tenure. The decision comes amid reports of clashes between Hunt and club chairman Farook Kadodia over the team’s direction, marking a turbulent end to what was hoped to be a stable chapter for the newly promoted side. After only 14 games in the Betway Premiership, the split highlights the pressures facing coaches in the competitive PSL landscape.
Hunt, a veteran tactician with a storied career, joined Durban City in July 2025 after a brief stint with SuperSport United. His arrival was seen as a coup for the club, bringing experience from winning four league titles with Bidvest Wits and SuperSport. But sources close to the team suggest disagreements on player recruitment, tactics, and long-term vision led to the breakdown.
This move leaves Durban City scrambling for a new leader as they fight to stay in the top flight, currently sitting mid-table with mixed results. As the festive break approaches, the coaching carousel spins again, reminding fans of the high stakes in SA football. Here’s a deeper look at the split, Hunt’s legacy, and what lies ahead for both.
A Short-Lived Partnership: What Led to the Breakup
The announcement came swiftly, with reports confirming Durban City served Hunt with a termination letter following internal talks. Insiders point to ongoing tensions between the 61-year-old coach and Kadodia, who clashed over the club’s path forward. Hunt, known for his no-nonsense style, pushed for certain signings and strategies, but these did not align with the chairman’s vision for the team.
Durban City’s season started with promise, including a notable win over Orlando Pirates, but recent dips in form added pressure. After 14 matches, they sit in eighth place with 19 points, a solid start for a promoted side but below expectations set by Hunt’s track record. The final straw appears to be a string of draws and losses that exposed gaps in squad depth, leading to the mutual agreement to part ways.
Kadodia, who has steered the club from lower leagues to the PSL, prioritises long-term stability. Hunt’s brief spell – his shortest in over a decade – ends without major silverware, but he leaves with the team in a safe spot. The club now seeks a quick replacement to avoid mid-season chaos, with names like former assistants or up-and-coming coaches in the mix.
Gavin Hunt’s Legacy: A Coach with Unmatched PSL Pedigree
Hunt’s departure caps a career filled with highs, from guiding SuperSport to three cup wins to his league triumphs with Wits. At 61, he remains one of SA’s most decorated coaches, with over 700 games under his belt and a reputation for turning teams around. His time at Durban City, though short, helped steady the ship after promotion, blending youth with experience.
Fans praise his passion, often seen in fiery touchline moments, but critics note his clashes with bosses – a pattern from stints at Kaizer Chiefs and elsewhere. Hunt has yet to comment publicly, but sources say he leaves on good terms, open to new roles. His next move could see him back in the dugout soon, perhaps with a side chasing titles.
Durban City’s Road Ahead: Search for Stability in Debut Season
For Durban City, the split means urgent work to appoint a new coach before the league resumes in January 2026. The club, back in the top flight after years away, has impressed with gritty displays but needs consistency to avoid relegation scraps. Kadodia’s vision focuses on youth development and sustainable growth, so the next hire will likely align with that.
The team faces tough fixtures post-break, including clashes with Sundowns and Pirates. Without Hunt’s tactical nous, they risk slipping, but the squad’s depth – boosted by summer signings – offers hope. Fans rally behind the club, seeing this as a chance for fresh ideas to spark a strong finish.
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