Durban City chairman Farook Kadodia has urged stakeholders in KwaZulu-Natal to recognise and support the club’s rapid rise after they booked a place in the Nedbank Cup final with victory over Casric Stars on Saturday.
Fresh off securing promotion to the topflight, City’s fairytale campaign has continued with a historic run to South Africa’s premier cup final, an achievement Kadodia believes should translate into greater backing from the province.
“The Nedbank Cup is a bonus for us, but our work-in-progress continues,” Kadodia said after the semi-final triumph. “The fact that we are in the final gives glory to the province and to the stakeholders. Although we didn’t get the support, it still makes them proud.”
Kadodia did not hide his frustration at the perceived lack of recognition, calling on key institutions to acknowledge the club’s contribution both on and off the field.
“I would urge the province to recognise Durban City. In one season of PSL football, we’ve added value – even to tourism – but for some strange reason we don’t get the support,” he said.
He highlighted the team’s unbeaten home record at Chatsworth Stadium as a sign of steady progress, while also praising veteran goalkeeper Darren Keet, whom he believes deserves a national team call-up.
“Keet has brought experience and consistency. Irrespective of age, he deserves a Bafana Bafana call-up,” Kadodia said.
City’s journey has also come against a backdrop of limited commercial backing, with Kadodia revealing that sponsors had initially taken a wait-and-see approach after their promotion.
“Nobody wanted to come on board at first. People wanted to be sure we wouldn’t get relegated,” he explained. “Now we need to sit at the table with power and be recognised, so we can grow the brand and ensure sustainability.”
Despite the cup excitement, Kadodia remains focused on the bigger picture – maintaining their league form that has lifted them to fifth in the table and building a stable future for the club.
“We don’t want to sell players at the end of the season,” he said.
As for the final venue, Kadodia suggested a fair process involving all parties, but stressed that his priority is performance on the pitch.
“All we need to do is make the PSL proud,” he said. “But importantly, we want the province to understand what we’ve done. We’ve sustained football here for 24 years – now we’re asking for recognition.”
