DURBAN, South Africa — Durban City FC has officially appointed 37-year-old Tunisian tactician Khalil Ben Youssef as their new Head Coach ahead of the highly anticipated 2026/27 season.
The announcement signals the start of an ambitious new chapter for the club, coming on the heels of a historic period of growth and competitive success.
Ben Youssef arrives in Durban with an impressive coaching pedigree spanning Africa and the Middle East. A holder of the prestigious CAF A Licence, he has built a stellar reputation for tactical expertise and a proven ability to forge highly competitive squads.
His extensive career includes senior technical roles at several of the continent’s and region’s most prominent clubs, including:
- AS FAR Rabat (Morocco)
- Young Africans SC (Tanzania)
- Club Africain (Tunisia)
- Al Ahli SC (Saudi Arabia)
- United Arab Emirates (Regional football development)
Crucially for his new role, Ben Youssef most recently served within the technical team at Kaizer Chiefs. This recent stint provided him with invaluable, firsthand insight into the intense demands and unique competitive landscape of the Betway Premiership.
The appointment comes at a critical juncture for Durban City FC. The upcoming 2026/27 campaign will test the club’s depth and resilience across multiple fronts, including:
- The Betway Premiership league campaign
- Domestic cup competitions
- The CAF Confederation Cup continental tournament
Securing a coach of Ben Youssef’s calibre underscores management’s commitment to long-term stability and sustained football excellence on both local and continental stages.
Durban City FC Chairman Farook Kadodia expressed immense confidence in the club’s new leadership direction.
“Khalil is a coach with strong experience, excellent technical knowledge and a clear understanding of the modern game,” Kadodia stated. “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, and we are delighted to welcome him to Durban City FC.”
Speaking at his official unveiling, Ben Youssef expressed his immense pride and readiness to take on the leadership mantle.
“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,” said Ben Youssef.
The tactician emphasized that the club’s long-term objectives aligned perfectly with his personal football philosophy, praising the structural foundations put in place by management.
“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,” he added. “My focus is on building a competitive team that reflects the values and ambitions of Durban City FC.”
Supporters can expect a rigorous pre-season training camp under the new leadership. Ben Youssef’s immediate priority will be assessing the current roster and identifying key transfer targets to reinforce the squad before the transfer window closes.
