Durban City boss opens up on Ernst Middendorp's surprise departure as ex-Kaizer Chiefs coach goes on 'when coaches miss the boat' social media rant

Ernst Middendorp has left his role as technical director of Durban City just two months into the 2025/26 season

He was working with coach Gavin Hunt but iDiski Times reports that the two had a fractious relationship.

Now, Durban City chairman Farook Kadodia has moved to explain why Middendorp left the club so suddenly. 

However, his assurances were undermined by the German who took to social media to express his frustrations.

“We brought Ernst in with a clear, short-term objective to bring stability and expertise to our football structures during a period of transition. 

He has fulfilled that mandate with professionalism and integrity, and we thank him for his valuable service. 

We part on excellent terms and wish him the very best for the future,” Kadodia said as per Sportswire.

“The foundation of the club is strong, and this change in no way hinders our progress or ambitions. 

"Our full focus is on supporting the team and management as we build on our excellent start to the season. The future is bright for Durban City FC.”

Middendorp leaves Durban City placed fourth on the Premier Soccer League table after managing four wins, three draws and two defeats.
The Citizens have scored 10 goals in nine PSL games while conceding seven times and they have also reached the Carling Knockout quarter-finals.

That leaves the separation of the Middendorp-Hunt combination coming under heavy scrutiny as it definitely seemed to work and some football analysts and fans could view the German's departure as fixing what's not broken.

It will be interesting to see if Hunt and Durban City continue to deliver results after the departure of Middendorp. 

With Hunt now left in full charge of City, it is to be seen if he will be able to steer his side to at least a top-eight finish by the end of this season.

Next up is a Kwa-Zulu Natal derby at AmaZulu on October 18, followed by a Carling Knockout Cup quarterfinal against Richards Bay on October 25, and ending the month with Kaizer Chiefs at home on October 31.