Durban City chairman Farook Kadodia explains club’s return to familiar coaches

Durban City chairman Farook Kadodia says the club’s decision to reappoint coaches is based on clear considerations, rather than simply a preference for familiar faces.

The latest example is Eric Tinkler, who has returned for a second spell in charge of the KwaZulu-Natal club after replacing Khalil Ben Youssef. Ben Youssef was dismissed only a few months into the new season.

Tinkler, a former Bafana Bafana player, previously managed the club from January 2019 until November 2020. His return adds to Durban City’s history of bringing back coaches who have already worked at the club.

Ernst Middendorp has had an even longer relationship with the side, having been appointed manager on four separate occasions.

Fadlu Davids has also held several roles at the club. He remained part of the coaching staff as an assistant under Middendorp, the late Clive Barker and Roger de Sa.

Kadodia says the reaction of the players to a returning coach is one of the key factors considered when making such appointments.

“I think the important thing is the players welcomed the new coach, who’s got a completely different philosophy, different work ethic, and these things are important. Once players support you, then you do well,” Kadodia told KickOff.

The chairman also identified commitment, discipline and a serious work ethic as central to the club’s thinking when assessing coaches.

He said Durban City did not necessarily end its relationships with coaches permanently, explaining that circumstances could provide an opportunity for them to come back.

“The commitment, discipline to serious work ethic (is what makes a coach return). We don’t break ties with people for various reasons. Coaches that came back, there is a reason why they came back. The club has reasons also why they bring them back, you know,” Kadodia added.

Tinkler’s appointment followed Ben Youssef’s departure and represents another return for a coach with an existing connection to the club. Kadodia’s explanation suggests that previous knowledge of the team is only one part of the decision, with player support and a coach’s standards also taken into account.

Durban City return to action on Wednesday evening, when they host Stellenbosch in a Carling Knockout round of 16 tie at Chatsworth Stadium.