Durban City Close To Appointing Ben Youssef As Head Coach
It is now just a matter of time before Durban City finalize the appointment of Khalil Ben Youssef, who arrived in the coastal city last week to conclude contractual negotiations.
Sportswire understands that club officials are already securing residential accommodation for the incoming tactician as he prepares to take the reins.
City’s hunt for a new tactical spearhead comes after they unexpectedly parted ways with their record-winning coach, Pitso Dladla.
Dladla memorably guided the club to its maiden major silverware last season, lifting the Nedbank Cup trophy. After securing promotion at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, the Durban-based side enjoyed a sensational debut season in the top flight, finishing eighth in the Betway Premiership.
However, their stunning Nedbank Cup triumph presented an immediate administrative hurdle for management. By winning the cup, City qualified for next season’s grueling CAF Confederation Cup.
A few seasons ago, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) implemented strict regulatory frameworks dictating that any head coach sitting on the technical bench during continental club competitions must hold a valid CAF A Licence.
Dladla does not possess this mandatory qualification. Though he consistently maintained last season that he was determined to enroll in the course, the immediate timeline of the tournament left both parties with no choice but to amicably part ways.
Dladla is now poised to cross the local divide and take over at Lamontville Golden Arrows, replacing Manqoba Mngqithi.
In a classic PSL coaching carousel, Mngqithi vacated his post at Arrows just a few days ago after leading them to a sixth-place finish.
With Durban City officially confirming Dladla’s departure on Monday night, they have swiftly secured Ben Youssef.
While the Tunisian perfectly meets the strict continental licensing requirements, his appointment represents a bold gamble on unproven potential.
Ben Youssef has never served as a standalone head coach, operating primarily as a tactical analyst and assistant manager throughout his career. This vacancy marks his first absolute mandate at the helm of a professional club.
Last season, he worked alongside Cédric Kaze as a co-coaching duo at Kaizer Chiefs. Despite steering Amakhosi to an impressive third-place finish, the Naturena hierarchy elected not to retain their services, subsequently appointing Fernando da Cruz—who will be assisted by Dillon Sheppard—as their permanent replacement.
Ben Youssef and Kaze were originally elevated to the Chiefs hot seat in October last year following the abrupt departure of Nasreddine Nabi.
During their 21 matches in charge of the Soweto giants, the duo engineered 12 victories, suffered just two defeats, and registered seven draws.
Durban City will now trust that this tactical pedigree can translate into a successful continental and domestic campaign.
