Durban City FC Chairman Farook Kadodia Speaks Out After Legal Victory in Player Registration Dispute

Durban City FC chairman Farook Kadodia has opened up about the off-field challenges that followed the club’s recent success in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, revealing the toll taken by legal disputes even as the club looks ahead to a new chapter.

The KwaZulu-Natal outfit recently emerged victorious in an arbitration case brought against them by Cape Town Spurs and JDR Stars regarding the registration of key winger Saziso Magawana. The South African Football Association (SAFA) ruled in favour of Durban City, clearing the club of any wrongdoing and effectively validating the player’s eligibility throughout the season.

Despite this legal win, Kadodia says he is still awaiting a response from the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to formally conclude the matter. “At the moment, I am relieved that we won the award yesterday. Now, what’s left is for the PSL to issue a statement and rectify any necessary matters. I haven’t heard from the PSL yet since receiving the award,” he told KickOff.com.

Kadodia, who has spent years navigating the often turbulent waters of South African football administration, said he never doubted the club’s position. “There was never any concern on our part about the player being incorrectly registered. He continued to play in all the games, regardless of what people said, because we knew we had the proper clearance,” he explained.

The veteran chairman also took aim at critics who he feels are more interested in boardroom battles than settling matters on the pitch. “How can individuals come forward after games 27 and 30 to lodge claims of wrongful action? It was clear to us that those people do not want to resolve issues on the field. They prefer to fight in the boardroom. But we were very confident.”

The saga has cast a shadow over what should have been a celebratory moment for the club following a strong campaign in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Kadodia stressed that while the arbitration victory was important, the uncertainty it brought could have disrupted the squad and its momentum.

Looking ahead, Kadodia says planning for next season will begin in earnest once players return from their short off-season break. “We just won the award yesterday, and now we need to sort out the players, many of whom are going home. We will probably reveal our intentions when we report for pre-season. We’re coming back towards the end of June.”

As Durban City waits for the PSL’s formal position, the club remains focused on the future—hoping to build on the momentum of a season that proved their resilience both on and off the pitch. Kadodia’s measured but firm leadership has once again helped the club steer through controversy, and now all eyes are on the next steps for one of KZN’s most ambitious football institutions.