The nation’s most veteran coach was abruptly relieved of his duties as announced by the club’s statement.

“Durban City Football Club hereby confirms that both the Club and Head Coach Gavin Hunt have mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately,” the statement read. “This decision came after talks between the Club’s Board of Directors and Hunt, following a comprehensive evaluation of the team’s goals and direction.

“The choice was made amicably in the best interests of the Club. We appreciate Gavin’s commitment and contributions during his tenure and wish him success in his future endeavors.

“The Board feels a new approach is necessary to meet our performance targets.”

Assistant coach Pitso Dladla will take charge of the upcoming match against Orbit College on Wednesday.

What prompted this sudden decision for a team performing well, especially considering this is their first season back in the top division after relegation and rebranding from Maritzburg United in 2024?

It is evident that Hunt and the club’s leadership, headed by chairman Farook Kadodia, had significant disagreements on various issues.

Hunt is considered ‘old school’ as a coach, skeptical of modern techniques and sports science, relying instead on intuition and direct observation.

He also indicated in interviews that several player acquisitions were made without his approval and that he had limited involvement in squad building.

He expected greater autonomy to shape the team according to his vision, but this was not granted. This lack of control and ongoing conflicts with management led to his exit.

The club already faced instability this season when technical director Ernst Middendorp resigned after three months due to ideological clashes with Hunt.

Anyone who thought this was a clash between two strong-willed, uncompromising personalities that couldn’t work together was correct.

Whether Middendorp, who has been hired multiple times previously by Kadodia, will return remains uncertain.

Hunt joined City at the beginning of the season and currently has them placed eighth in the Betway Premiership with 19 points from 14 matches. They will face Orbit College in their last game of 2025 on Wednesday.

Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Pirates was Hunt’s 1019th match as a coach in South African football – an unmatched record.