Coach Gavin Hunt to Head Durban City in 2025/26, Team Announced

Durban City are set to usher in a bold new chapter, with veteran tactician Gavin Hunt poised to take the reins for the upcoming 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign. SABC Sport has reliably confirmed that Hunt has reached an agreement in principle to become head coach. The club is expected to formally unveil him next week.

A New Era After Dladla’s Exit

The club recently parted ways with coach Simo Dladla, despite his successful campaign in guiding City back into the top flight. Dladla has since secured a new role as assistant coach to Arthur Zwane at crosstown rivals AmaZulu. With the hot seat vacant and time ticking before pre-season preparations, the club identified Hunt as their prime candidate due to his wealth of experience and proven track record.

Gavin Hunt Returns to the Dugout

Hunt, a four-time league champion, was without a club after leaving SuperSport United before the close of last season. His appointment marks a significant coup for City, who are looking to consolidate their place in the Premiership. They aim to establish themselves as a serious contender.

Sources close to the deal indicate that incoming technical director Ernst Middendorp played a pivotal role in securing Hunt’s services. The pair reportedly held preliminary meetings about the direction of the club. These meetings laid the groundwork for a mutual vision moving forward.

Trusted Allies Set to Join

In shaping his technical team, Hunt has made decisive choices. Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez will take on the role of goalkeeper coach. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing with Kaitano Tembo, who could be named assistant coach. Tembo’s most recent assignment saw him shifted to the reserve side at Sekhukhune United following a technical reshuffle under new head coach Eric Tinkler.

The potential addition of Tembo would reunite him with Hunt, with whom he shares a deep understanding developed over years in South African football. The trio—Hunt, Fernandez, and Tembo—could provide a robust and experienced coaching unit. They are capable of steering Durban City through a challenging top-flight season.

Hunt’s Mission: Turn Promotion into Progress

For Hunt, who lifted league titles with both SuperSport United and Bidvest Wits, this assignment presents a fresh challenge. Durban City are a club reborn, eager to prove they belong at the highest level. With their top-flight status restored, the task now shifts from promotion to progression. That’s where Hunt’s expertise will be crucial.

Rebuilding a newly promoted side into a competitive Premiership outfit will demand a blend of tactical discipline, strong leadership, and savvy player recruitment. All of these skills fall squarely in Hunt’s wheelhouse.

Big Expectations as Kick-off Approaches

The 2025/26 Betway Premiership season is scheduled to kick off on 8 August, though fixture details remain pending. Durban City’s fans, however, can already sense the winds of change. The arrival of a coaching heavyweight signals the club’s intent.

Hunt’s appointment—once officially confirmed—could prove one of the standout managerial moves of the off-season. For Durban City, it’s not just about surviving the Premiership grind. Under Gavin Hunt, they’ll aim to thrive.

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