Durban City fired Gavin Hunt in a shock decision after this weekend’s 2-0 loss to Orlando Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The club unceremoniously dumped the country’s most experienced coach on Monday in a statement they released.
“Durban City Football Club can confirm that the Club and Head Coach Gavin Hunt have parted ways by mutual agreement, effective immediately,” the statement read.
“The decision follows discussions between the Club’s Board of Directors and Hunt, concluding a thorough review of the team’s objectives and trajectory.”
“The parties reached this decision amicably in the best interests of the Club. We thank Gavin for his dedication and service during his time with us and wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.”
“The Board believes a new direction is necessary to achieve our performance goals.”
Assistant coach Pitso Dlada will take charge of the upcoming match against Orbit College on Wednesday.
Club Chairman Farook Kadodia stated, “This was a mutual decision, taken with the Club’s best interests at heart. I’d like to thank Gavin personally for his hard work and dedication, and we all wish him well for the future.”
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Hunt arrived at City at the start of the season and guided them to eighth place in the Betway Premiership standings with 19 points after 14 games.
Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Pirates marked Hunt’s 1,019th game as a coach in South African football – a runaway record.
The veteran tactician’s dismissal comes as a surprise given the club’s mid-table position, though the board clearly expects better results from their substantial investment in the coaching setup.
Hunt now joins the growing list of coaches who have lost their positions this season, as Premiership clubs continue to demand immediate results in an increasingly competitive environment.
