Ronaldo Maarman opens up on Badela’s abrupt Durban City exit

Badela succeeded Gavin Hunt at the Betway Premiership newcomers in December, but after two wins and just one defeat, the club decided to cut ties with the young tactician earlier this month.

Maarman, who joined City on loan from Sekhukhune United in January, has shared exclusively with SABC Sport how his former Cape Town All Stars mentor's departure affected him.

"His exit took a toll on not only myself but most of the players as well. He always wanted me to remain professional and to survive in any environment that I'm in and do to my best, because if I do my best I can survive in any environment with or without him.

"This approach was first installed in me by coach Rulani, and then with 'Coach T' as well."

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The 26-year-old former Orlando Pirates midfielder's mid-season move to KwaZulu-Natal had been largely influenced by Badela, with whom he shares a strong bond.

"We have worked together at Cape Town All Stars and Chippa United, and that is where I've played the best football of my life. Personally, I made this move because I want to get back to my best and get back to scoring goals and assisting my teammates."

Although his impact has been curtailed, 'Coach T', as Badela is affectionately known among his players, Maarman has backed the team to shrug off the changes and retain their topflight status.

Durban City are in the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup, where they will meet Golden Arrows, and are currently sixth on the Betway Premiership table with 28 points from 18 matches.

The Gqeberha-born attacker expects a fiery Nedbank Cup Durban Derby next month.

"We were hoping to play at home, but we are still home for a Durban derby against Arrows, and you can put money on the fact that it will be a good game of football, especially at this stage of the competition where the elite faces the elite.

"We will only get better from this game, going further into the competition."