Trouble At UKZN? Ben Youssef’s Early Complaints Could Trigger Farook Kadodia’s Ax
Sportswire can reveal that newly appointed Durban City head coach Khalil Ben Youssef is growing increasingly frustrated with internal club operations—most notably the team’s training facilities—raising early doubts over his longevity under chairman Farook Kadodia ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Having recently served on the technical staff at Kaizer Chiefs’ state-of-the-art Naturena complex, Ben Youssef is allegedly to have expressed dissatisfaction with Durban City’s current training ground at UKZN’s Howard College campus.
City, who relocated from Pietermaritzburg nearly two years ago, hold a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the university to utilize the facilities.
However, sources indicate that Ben Youssef was fully aware of the club’s infrastructure setup upon accepting the role.
Given Kadodia’s history of managerial turnover, Ben Youssef’s early grievances suggest a turbulent road ahead.
Durban City cycled through three head coaches last term alone: Gavin Hunt began the campaign before his December dismissal, Sinethemba Badela lasted just three matches due to stylistic disagreements, and Pitso Dladla took over to guide the club to a historic Nedbank Cup title and a top-eight finish.
Despite his success, Dladla was released during the off-season because he lacked the mandatory CAF A License required to manage in the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup.
Insiders reveal that Ben Youssef’s discontent extends across several operational matters, despite management backing him in the transfer market with high-profile PSL signings including Bandile Shandu, Gastón Sirino, and Tashreeq Morris.
Ben Youssef—who was relieved of his duties at Naturena alongside Cedric Kaze—is set to cross paths with his former Chiefs colleague on the opening weekend of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.
Kaze recently took charge of Sekhukhune United, setting up an intriguing battle between the two ex-Amakhosi coaches next Saturday at New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
However, when questioned about facing Kaze following City’s KZN Premier’s Cup playoff penalty loss to Richards Bay, Ben Youssef abruptly dismissed the subject:
“It is part of the game,” Ben Youssef remarked, visibly agitated by the inquiry.
With Durban City set to compete across four competitions this season—including their debut CAF Confederation Cup campaign—pressure on the dugout will be intense.
Should results falter early, Kadodia’s track record suggests he will not hesitate to make another mid-season change.
