DURBAN, South Africa — Durban City FC has officially ushered in a new era ahead of the 2026/27 season with the appointment of Tunisian tactician Khalil Ben Youssef as the club’s new Head Coach.
The 37-year-old arrives at a crucial moment in the club’s development, as Durban City continues to build on a strong foundation and push toward becoming a competitive force in both domestic and continental football.
A Proven Pedigree Across Africa and the Middle East
Ben Youssef brings a wealth of experience and a respected coaching profile, holding the prestigious CAF A Licence. Over the years, he has refined his tactical approach across some of the most demanding football environments on the continent and beyond.
His coaching journey includes key roles in:
- Tunisia with Club Africain
- Morocco with AS FAR Rabat
- Tanzania with Young Africans SC
- Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates with Al Ahli SC
Notably, he also has familiarity with South African football following a spell within the technical setup at Kaizer Chiefs. That experience is expected to prove valuable in adapting quickly to the demands, intensity, and tactical rhythm of the local game.
Ambitions Spanning Domestic and Continental Success
The 2026/27 season is set to be a defining campaign for Durban City FC, with the club competing across multiple fronts, including the Betway Premiership, domestic cup competitions, and the CAF Confederation Cup.
Ben Youssef’s continental experience is expected to be a key asset as the club balances squad depth, tactical flexibility, and high-performance demands across all competitions.
Durban City FC Chairman Farook Kadodia expressed strong confidence in the club’s new head coach:
“Khalil is a coach with strong experience, excellent technical knowledge and a clear understanding of the modern game. We believe he is the right person to lead the next phase of Durban City Football Club’s journey.
Over the past two seasons we have built a strong foundation, and our focus now is to continue growing the Club both on and off the field. We are confident that Khalil possesses the leadership, character and football philosophy required to help us achieve our ambitions.”
“An Ambitious Club With a Clear Vision”
Speaking on his appointment, Ben Youssef expressed gratitude and excitement about the opportunity to lead the project in KwaZulu-Natal.
“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. My focus is on building a competitive team that reflects the values and ambitions of Durban City FC.”
With pre-season preparations approaching, supporters will be watching closely to see how Ben Youssef shapes the squad and implements his tactical identity as Durban City FC prepares for a demanding and exciting campaign ahead.
