“Ready For 5 Competitions”: Nyatama Reveals Why Durban City Snapped Up Sirino And Morris
Newly appointed Durban City assistant coach Musa Nyatama believes the club’s experienced new signings, led by former Kaizer Chiefs duo Gastón Sirino and Tashreeq Morris, will play a vital role in helping the team compete across five competitions during the 2026/27 season.
Durban City have significantly strengthened their squad ahead of their maiden Betway Premiership campaign by signing Sirino and Morris following their departures from Kaizer Chiefs at the end of last season.
Sirino became available after his contract with Amakhosi expired, while Morris still had a year remaining on his deal before Chiefs opted to part ways with the striker.
The duo have now reunited with former Chiefs coach Khalil Ben Youssef, who recently took charge as Durban City’s head coach.
The ambitious club has also added further top-flight experience by signing former Orlando Pirates defender Bandile Shandu following the expiry of his contract, while Goodman Mosele has joined on a season-long loan from the Buccaneers.
Speaking on Gagasi FM, Nyatama expressed confidence that Sirino and Morris would provide the leadership and experience needed as Durban City prepare for a demanding campaign.
“I think the signings we’ve made so far, like Gastón Sirino and Tashreeq Morris from Kaizer Chiefs, will bring a lot of experience to help us,” said Nyatama.
“But I think we will sign maybe one or two more players in positions where we need to strengthen because we will have many games this season.
“I think we also need a little more depth in our squad and enough players to compete in the CAF Confederation Cup.”
Durban City face one of the busiest schedules in South African football this season after qualifying for five competitions: the Betway Premiership, MTN8, Carling Knockout, Nedbank Cup and the CAF Confederation Cup.
With such a demanding fixture list, squad rotation and player fitness will be crucial throughout the campaign, something Nyatama believes the club has already planned for.
“We will have many games this season, especially in the MTN8 and the CAF Confederation Cup,” he added.
“But I think we’ve got a very good conditioning coach who is doing well in helping the players stay fit.
“I think by the time we start the league on 1 August, we will be ready. In fact, we’ll begin showing that readiness this weekend in the Premier’s Cup.”
Durban City’s preparations continue this weekend in the KZN Premier’s Cup, which will provide Ben Youssef and his technical team with another opportunity to fine-tune combinations ahead of the new campaign.
The 2025 Nedbank Cup champions will begin their Betway Premiership campaign on 1 August when they travel to Polokwane to face Sekhukhune United in their opening league fixture.
