Durban City FC are preparing for a historic continental test as they travel to Burundi to face Rukinzo FC in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round on Sunday.
The Citizens arrive with a narrow advantage after securing a hard-fought 1–0 victory in the first leg at Moses Mabhida Stadium, but head coach Khalil Ben Youssef has warned his players that the tie remains far from decided.
With a place in the second preliminary round at stake, Durban City know they will need another disciplined performance away from home as they continue their first-ever CAF campaign.
Match Preview & Fixture Details
Competition: CAF Confederation Cup – First Preliminary Round, Second Leg
Fixture: Rukinzo FC vs Durban City FC
Date: Sunday, 13 September 2026
Kick-off: 17:00 SAST
First Leg Result: Durban City 1–0 Rukinzo FC
Ben Youssef Calls for Mental Strength and Maximum Focus
Despite taking a slender lead into the return fixture, Ben Youssef believes the advantage is not enough to guarantee progression. The Tunisian coach has urged his squad to approach the match with the same intensity and concentration required for any major continental encounter.
The Durban-based side will also have to adjust quickly to unfamiliar surroundings, including playing on an artificial surface that could affect the pace and flow of the game.
“It’s not a safe result. It’s a tricky result, so we need to prepare ourselves properly for the second game,” Ben Youssef said ahead of the team’s departure.
“They have quality players in the front, fast and even technically they can make the difference in situations one versus one. Our job as a technical staff is to prepare our players first mentally, then physically and technically.”
Defensive Discipline Key to Durban City’s Progression
The first leg proved to be a challenging encounter, with Durban City struggling to settle into the contest during the opening half before finding greater control after the break.
The Citizens will now be tasked with managing Rukinzo’s attacking threat while maintaining the defensive organisation that earned them a valuable clean sheet in Durban.
The Burundian side possess dangerous pace in forward areas and will look to use home advantage to put pressure on the South African visitors from the opening whistle.
For Durban City, patience, composure and tactical discipline will be crucial as they aim to complete the job and continue their memorable debut season on the African stage.
A place in the next round awaits, but the Citizens know their continental journey will demand another committed performance.
