Durban City announce Former Amakhosi co-coach Ben Youssef as new coach
Ben Youssef will work alongside a South African-born assistant coach, whose identity is expected to be announced soon
Durban City FC have signalled their ambitions for the 2026/27 season with the appointment of former Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef as the club’s new head coach.
The Tunisian tactician was unveiled this week as the KwaZulu-Natal outfit prepares for a demanding campaign that includes the Betway Premiership, domestic cup competitions and the Caf Confederation Cup.
City chairperson Farook Kadodia said the club was looking to build on last season’s success, which saw the team lift the Nedbank Cup under interim coach Pitso Dladla.
Kadodia revealed that Ben Youssef will work alongside a South African-born assistant coach, whose identity is expected to be announced following the coach’s arrival in Durban this weekend.
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“He will only arrive on Saturday and he understands the conditions here,” said Kadodia. “He cannot come and tell us to clear the deck because he wants to bring his own technical team. No. He will work with a South African-born local coach as his assistant.”
Kadodia was equally clear about the club’s expectations for the new coach. “We would like to see ourselves finishing in the top six this season,” he said.
“We also want the new coach to bring renewed hunger into the squad. Perhaps some players have been here for a long time and that hunger for success has diminished. He must also understand and maintain our brand of football.”
The chairperson added that further announcements regarding changes to the technical team, new player signings and preparations for the upcoming season would be made after Ben Youssef has officially been introduced to the club’s directors, players and stakeholders.
Once we have formally introduced the new coach, we will also make other announcements regarding the new season.
Ben Youssef joins Durban City after serving as co-coach at Kaizer Chiefs alongside Cedric Kaze. The pair guided Amakhosi to a third-place finish in the Betway Premiership, securing qualification for the 2026/27 Caf Confederation Cup.
The 37-year-old holds a Caf A Licence and brings extensive experience from across Africa and the Middle East.
During his coaching career, he has worked in Tunisia, Morocco, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, earning a reputation for tactical excellence and team development.
His coaching résumé includes senior technical roles at AS FAR Rabat, Young Africans SC, Club Africain and Al Ahli SC before his stint at Chiefs.
In a statement, Durban City described the appointment as a key step in the club’s long-term vision. “Durban City FC is pleased to announce the appointment of Khalil Ben Youssef as the club’s new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 season.
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“The Tunisian tactician joins Durban City FC as the club embarks on an exciting new chapter following a historic period of growth and success. His appointment reinforces the club’s commitment to long-term stability and continued football excellence.”
Ben Youssef expressed his enthusiasm about taking charge of the club. “I am honoured to join Durban City FC and would like to thank the chairman, the board of directors and everyone at the club for the trust they have placed in me,” he said.
“This is an ambitious club with a clear vision for the future, and I am excited to begin working with the players and technical staff as we prepare for the season ahead.”
