“There’s A Lot To Play For” — Tinkler Takes Charge Of Durban City
Durban City has officially confirmed the appointment of former Bafana Bafana star Eric Tinkler as their new head coach, replacing Khalil Ben Youssef.
Tinkler arrives at a critical juncture as the club prepares for the resumption of domestic football following the FIFA international break.
A 1996 Africa Cup of Nations winner with Bafana Bafana, Tinkler returns to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) after a recent stint with Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko.
“I’m excited to be part of what is being built here at Durban City FC,” he said.
“The club is very ambitious. They have made positive strides in a short space of time, competing in the CAF Confederation Cup already, and that made my decision easy.”
The former Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City mentor takes over a side sitting 10th in the Betway Premiership with seven points from seven matches. However, Tinkler’s pedigree in continental competition—having previously guided both Orlando Pirates (2015) and SuperSport United (2017) to CAF Confederation Cup finals—was a major factor in his hiring.
“I don’t want to make massive changes because last season the club was successful,” Tinkler said.
“It’s about giving others an opportunity and getting back to winning ways. We want to finish in the top eight, go as far as we can in the CAF Confederation Cup, and compete in the Carling Cup and Nedbank Cup. There’s a lot to play for.”
The appointment also marks a reunion with club chairman Farook Kadodia. Tinkler previously coached under Kadodia in January 2019 during the club’s era as Maritzburg United, successfully steering the team away from relegation to a seventh-place finish before reaching the 2019 Telkom Knockout final.
Welcoming Tinkler to the club, Kadodia expressed complete confidence in his new manager’s credentials.
“Eric brings a wealth of experience in South African football and understands what is required at this level,” Kadodia said.
“We believe he is the right person to lead the team and help us achieve what we have set out to achieve this season.”
Tinkler’s first match in charge will be a high-stakes KZN derby against AmaZulu at Chatsworth Stadium on 13 October.
