Not Just Filling Roster Spots: Kadodia Set to Invest Millions in Squad Overhaul

Chairman Farook Kadodia of Durban City has announced that the club intends to aggressively pursue talent in the upcoming off-season transfer market, aiming to ensure they don’t simply “make up the numbers” in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

The rise of this franchise is nothing short of a fairytale. After rebranding from Maritzburg United following a successful promotion at the end of last season, the coastal club secured their first-ever spot in continental football by winning the Nedbank Cup earlier this month.

Despite these significant achievements falling outside of Durban City’s initial goals, they’ve demonstrated that in football, anything is possible.

On May 2, at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, City turned dreams into reality with a remarkable comeback, defeating TS Galaxy 2–1 in the Nedbank Cup final.

As they prepare for continental football, squad depth is crucial. Durban City must tackle a demanding multi-front campaign next season, which includes the Betway Premiership, the MTN8 (pending a top-eight finish), the Carling Knockout Cup, their defense of the Nedbank Cup, and challenging travel commitments for CAF.

If the club can successfully navigate the two preliminary rounds, they will test their stamina with the demanding travel schedule to reach the Confederation Cup group stages. Therefore, constructing a strong, deep squad is essential.

Currently, Durban City holds the last top-eight position, sitting eighth on the table with 39 points from 29 matches.

They need just one point from Saturday’s derby against AmaZulu at Chatsworth Stadium to secure MTN8 football.

Immediately after the match, Kadodia plans to convene an important meeting with the club’s technical staff. This meeting will also address the future of caretaker coach Pitso Dladla.

“We will return to the drawing board right after the game against AmaZulu,” Kadodia told Sportswire.

“We will evaluate what is needed, particularly in balancing the Confederation Cup and the league campaign.

“Next season will present challenges.

“We’ll need to enter the market and acquire quality players.”

Durban City will embark on their first African journey alongside experienced continental giants Kaizer Chiefs, who have already clinched a third-place finish this season.