Durban City FC chairman Farouk Khadodia has explained the abrupt departure of their technical director Ernst Middendorp.
Middendorp joined the KZN side at the start of the season, having previously parted ways with Cape Town Spurs following their relegation to the ABC Motsepe League.
His appointment followed the club’s promotion to the Betway Premiership, which also saw Gavin Hunt replace Simo Dladla as the new head coach.
However, the former Kaizer Chiefs coach has already departed the club after just three months on the job. His exit is said to have stemmed from differences he had with the head coach Hunt.
Speaking to this publication, Khadodia stated that Middendorp was on a short-term contract and had successfully accomplished the mission for which he was brought to the club.
“Nothing else,” was his reply when asked if there was any additional reason for his departure.
“It was mission complete, he had a three-month contract and he fulfilled the mandate 100%,” Khadodia told iDiski Times.
When asked about plans to replace Middendorp, he said, “No, there’s no need at the moment, if there’s one, we will look at it. But for now, he fulfilled the mandate.”
“For now, we need to see how we continue from where he left off.”
Durban City have enjoyed an impressive start to the 2025/26 season, accumulating five wins and three draws while suffering only two losses across all competitions.
Having accumulated 15 points through nine league matches, they currently sit fourth in the Betway Premiership standings.
Meanwhile, they secured a spot in the Carling Knockout Cup by eliminating Polokwane City in the Round of 16.