Durban City FC received an official civic welcome from eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba amidst a memorable first week in top flight football for the club.
Hosted at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, the event celebrated both the club’s Betway Premiership promotion and ambitious plans to unite the city through football.
The gathering, attended by civic leaders and club officials, marked the beginning of a strategic partnership between Durban’s newest Premiership representatives and the city they proudly call home.
A Civic Welcome for Durban’s Newest Premiership Ambassadors
Mayor Cyril Xaba set the tone for the occasion, expressing the city’s enthusiasm for this new sporting partnership:
“I am delighted to join you to celebrate yet another team from the city joining the eliteBetway Premiership. We have no doubt that your presence in the city of Durban will result in our sport facilities hosting more games throughout the season, attracting football lovers from
across the country to the city,” Mayor Xaba said.
The Mayor highlighted the broader benefits of more Premiership football coming to Durban, noting: “This is not only good for the economy, but it also promotes tourism and inspires the youth to want to play sport,” he said.
A Club Finds Its Perfect Home
Club Chairman Farook Kadodia responded with emotional reflection on the club’s journey to Durban.
“It is an honour to be hosted by the leadership of this great city, a city we are proud to now call home.”
He recounted the strategic decision behind their relocation, explaining: “A few years ago, circumstances forced us to leave Pietermaritzburg where we had worked hard to build a respected and competitive football brand for 20 years. It was not an easy move, but it was a move made with purpose. We chose Durban deliberately.”
Kadodia articulated the club’s deep connection to its new home: “We chose Durban because we love the city, its people, its diversity, its energy, and its passion for sports. We chose Durban because it is the biggest city in KwaZulu-Natal, and we believe it deserves a football club that can stand proudly among South Africa’s very best.”
More Than a Football Club
The Chairman outlined an ambitious vision that transcends sport: “We are an engine for community pride, for youth development, for economic opportunity, and for bringing our people together.”
His words painted a picture of a club determined to make a lasting impact: “We envision a club that inspires children from Umlazi to Inanda, from Chatsworth to Phoenix to dream big and gives them the pathway to achieve that. A team that draws crowds and tourism into our stadiums, benefitting local business and the city’s image.
On the Pitch Success
The civic recognition comes as the club enjoys a dream start to the season, securing six points from it’s opening two matches against TS Galaxy and Chippa United.
Looking Ahead
As the club prepares for Tuesday’s Premiership KZN derby against Golden Arrows at Chatsworth Stadium, Mayor Xaba offered his closing endorsement.
“We want to thank Durban City FC for choosing eThekwini as their home. We are proud to partner with you to make our city the mecca of sports in South Africa. We have constantly demonstrated our ability to host major sporting events, and we have no doubt that your addition into the city’s sports brands will enrich our city,” Mayor Xaba said.
