Mokwena, Dladla and De Sa lead Durban City’s coaching search

Durban City FC have moved swiftly to identify a successor after parting ways with head coach Gavin Hunt, with sources revealing that Rulani Mokwena, Simo Dladla and Roger de Sa are all being considered. 

Hunt’s departure — confirmed on Monday by "mutual agreement" following a technical review — has triggered an urgent strategic rethink at the newly promoted Betway Premiership side. Chairman Farook Kadodia thanked the four-time league champion for his professionalism, but the focus has now shifted towards securing a permanent replacement during the the Africa Cup of Nations break. 

Assistant coach Pitso Dladla will lead the team on an interim basis when they face Orbit College on Wednesday in the Betway Premiership (kick-off 7.30pm).

City head into that encounter in eight spot, having collected 19 points in the 14 games they’ve played. According to sources close to the club, the Citizens board of directors have drawn up an ambitious shortlist. 

At the top is Rulani Mokwena, currently head coach of MC Alger in Algeria, where he has enjoyed a strong start. 

Mokwena has led MCA to the summit of the Algerian Ligue 1 after eight matches and recently guided his side against his former employers Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League group stages. His growing reputation on the continent makes him an attractive but complicated target, with any potential move requiring significant negotiation.

Simo Dladla, the coach who guided Durban City to promotion last season, is also firmly under consideration. 

His departure to AmaZulu — where he now serves as assistant to Arthur Zwane — surprised many at the club, but his intimate knowledge of the players, structures and internal culture could make him the preferred choice if City opt for continuity and a quicker transition.

Roger de Sa is the third name on the shortlist. With a coaching résumé spanning Ajax Cape Town, Orlando Pirates, and the Bafana Bafana setup — as well as World Cup experience as assistant to Carlos Queiroz with Iran — de Sa brings high-level tactical discipline and calm management. 

His experience in pressure environments aligns with what the club is believed to be seeking as they attempt to stabilise their top-flight campaign.

Adding further intrigue is the potential return of Ernst Middendorp. The veteran tactician began the season as Durban City’s technical director before leaving after three months at the conclusion of his contract. 

Sources suggest the relationship between Middendorp and Hunt was strained, which now reopens the door for the German-born coach to be reconsidered — either in his previous role or in a more influential capacity, depending on negotiations.

Durban City are expected to accelerate discussions in the coming days, with the AFCON break offering the perfect window to secure and integrate their new coach. 

For now, interim coach Pitso Dladla will attempt to steady the ship, but the club’s next move in the boardroom is set to define the direction of their Premiership campaign.

The club declined the opportunity to comment on the matter when enquired.