Durban City FC Grateful for UKZN Partnership
Newly-promoted Durban City Football Club has expressed its deep appreciation to the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) for the support and partnership that played a crucial role in its successful 2024/2025 campaign.
The club finished at the top of the Motsepe Foundation Championship, securing promotion to South Africa’s premier football division – the Betway Premiership (PSL).
This achievement follows a collaborative agreement between the University and the Club, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The partnership provides a framework for co-operation in sports development, research collaboration, and skills development, contributing to broader university goals of student enrichment and community impact.
The Club’s Chairman, Mr Farook Kadodia, acknowledged the significant role that UKZN played after the Club’s relocation from Pietermaritzburg. He attributed their performance surge in part to the institutional and community support received, noting that the collective energy and goodwill from all stakeholders created an environment conducive to success. Kadodia commended the technical team and players for their hard work, but also emphasised the need for focused preparation as they step into the demands of competing in the PSL.
The Club credited the team’s success to a focused and merit-based approach in building the squad. The season, marked by consistent effort and determination, was underpinned by clear objectives and strong technical direction. Looking ahead, the focus is on consolidating the squad, sustaining performance, and building a durable presence in the PSL.
Durban City FC has also acknowledged UKZN’s generosity in making its facilities available to the club during the season. The University’s campuses provided essential infrastructure that supported training and operations. Further, the services rendered by the Sports Science staff and students in fitness testing, player preparation, and health management made a notable contribution to the team’s readiness and conditioning. The University’s logistical support, including the transportation of student supporters to matches, was also a key morale booster throughout the season.
Team captain Mr Ayanda Mtshali affirmed the impact of this support network, highlighting the value of psychological and counselling services that helped the players stay focused and resilient throughout the highs and lows of the season. He reflected on the journey as one that tested the team’s unity and belief, and one which culminated in a well-earned championship.
Mtshali, originally from Newcastle, also described the personal fulfilment of playing in Durban and in a competitive league, and he expressed gratitude to his skilled teammates for the cohesion and trust that characterised their success.
UKZN’s Executive Director for Corporate Relations, Ms Normah Zondo, extended the University’s congratulations to the Club, noting the significance of this milestone and what it represents for both institutions. ‘We wish Durban City FC continued success as they enter this exciting new phase. Their recent promotion is a testament to their resilience, discipline, and pursuit of excellence. UKZN is proud to be part of their journey, and we look forward to deepening our partnership in ways that continue to benefit our students, staff and broader communities,’ said Zondo.
The MoU between UKZN and Durban City FC has created a dynamic platform for knowledge-sharing in football, collaborative research, and opportunities for joint programmes that support student development and innovation in sport.
Kadodia concluded by encouraging young people, particularly UKZN students, to get involved in football not only as athletes but also in technical and administrative roles, noting that the sport offers diverse avenues for growth and development.
Words: Sithembile Shabangu
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
