City Sign Magoola As Ugandan Eyes South African Permanent Residency
Durban City are actively working to secure permanent residency for newly signed goalkeeper Salim Magoola, a strategic move that would allow the club to register him as a local player, Sportswire has learned.
City recently completed the signing of the Ugandan international following his departure from Richards Bay. By the end of the 2026/27 campaign, Magoola will have completed five years of continuous residence in South Africa, making him eligible to apply for his permanent papers.
The Road to Durban City
Magoola originally joined Richards Bay ahead of the 2022/23 season. While he still had a year remaining on his contract—with the club holding an option to extend—the Natal Rich Boyz ultimately opted to let the 31-year-old leave on a free transfer.
Now working under Durban City’s new head coach, Khalil Ben Youssef, the club is moving quickly behind the scenes. Registering Magoola as a domestic player will free up a crucial foreign-player spot on the team’s roster.
During his time with Richards Bay, the former Kaizer Chiefs target was a standout performer, making 85 appearances across all competitions and keeping 34 clean sheets.
Rebuilding for a Historic CAF Campaign
Magoola arrives to anchor a defensive unit in desperate need of elite goalkeeping reinforcement. The move follows the retirement of veteran shot-stopper Darren Keet, who hung up his gloves at the end of last season after leading the club to a historic Nedbank Cup triumph.
Winning the Ke Yona Cup booked City a ticket to the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup. This continental adventure made securing an experienced goalkeeper a top priority for the Durban-based side.
Magoola is just one piece of an ambitious recruitment drive. He joins a stellar list of new arrivals at the club, including:
- Gastón Sirino
- Goodman Mosele
- Green Seth
- Bandile Shandu
- Tashreeq Morris
Musa Nyatama Set for Homecoming
In addition to squad reinforcements, Sportswire understands that Durban City are closing in on the appointment of Musa Nyatama as their new assistant coach.
Nyatama, who served on Chippa United’s technical team last season, boasts solid coaching credentials following stints at Upington City and Moroka Swallows.
If finalized, the move will represent a major homecoming. Nyatama is intimately familiar with the club’s management structure, having played for the franchise between 2009 and 2011 when they were known as Maritzburg United.
During his playing days in KwaZulu-Natal, the midfielder made 45 appearances, scored five goals, and registered one assist, establishing himself as a firm fan favourite before his parent club, Mamelodi Sundowns, recalled him from his loan spell.
