Simo Dladla, the head coach who just led Durban City FC to a historic automatic promotion into the Betway Premiership, has left the club following extensive negotiations, as first reported by FARPost.
The decision comes as Dladla's contract expires on June 30, with the two parties unable to reach a new agreement, reportedly due to the club's inability to meet the coach's demands.
Dladla’s impactful time at the helm began in the 2023/24 season when the team was still known as Maritzburg United. Having been relegated from the PSL via the Promotion/Relegation Playoffs, this was their inaugural season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Dladla took over mid-season after Zipho Dlangalala’s dismissal, guiding the club to a commendable fourth-place finish with 46 points.
The following season, the club underwent a transformation, rebranding as Durban Cityand relocating to Durban. This move was necessitated by difficulties in securing a home venue in Pietermaritzburg, largely due to the now-defunct Royal AM taking over Harry Gwala Stadium with uMsunduzi Municipality's support.
It was in this rebranded setting that Dladla delivered remarkable success, leading Durban City to the Motsepe Foundation Championship title with 58 points after 30 matches, securing their direct ascent to the top flight.
DURBAN CITY EXPLORING OPTIONS FOR NEW COACH
With Dladla now departing, Durban City FC is actively exploring options for their new head coach. Prominent figures like Owen Da Gama, fresh from saving Magesi FC, Sean Connor of Jwaneng Galaxy, and Roger De Sa, currently an assistant at Cape Town City with an uncertain future, are all reportedly under consideration.
