Durban City sign Sirino, Morris and Shandu with CAF Confederation Cup in mind

Durban City coach Khalil Ben Youssef says the club’s decision to sign Gaston Sirino, Tashreeq Morris and Bandile Shandu was driven by the need for experience ahead of their first CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

City will represent South Africa in the competition after winning the Nedbank Cup last season, and Ben Youssef believes the trio can help the team cope with the demands of competing both domestically and on the continent.

Sirino and Morris are already familiar with the coach, having worked with him while he was assistant coach and later co-coach at Kaizer Chiefs. That previous relationship is expected to help the two players settle quickly at their new club, with Ben Youssef already aware of their abilities and the pair familiar with his methods.

Shandu also has a connection with Durban City. He previously played for the club when it was known as Maritzburg United and is considered unlikely to face major difficulties adapting to the squad. His experience is expected to be useful in both the Betway Premiership and continental competition.

Ben Youssef said the signings were made after discussions with the club chairman about the team’s lack of experience in important matches last season.

“The idea to bring in Sirino, Tashreeq and Shandu…when we spoke with the chairman, we decided that we need some experienced players because we feel like last season there are some games we failed to win because lack of experience. Remember, the team is representing South Africa in the Confederation Cup. To represent the country well, you need some experience in there,” Youssef said to media during the Betway Premiership launch earlier this week.

The coach believes most of his squad will be playing in the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time, increasing the importance of having players who have previously faced similar challenges.

“Let me 90 percent of the team they don’t know this Confederation Cup, so we need at least two or three players that have been in these kinds of competitions. They will help the coach and technical staff to manage those games.”

Durban City begin their Betway Premiership campaign against Sekhukhune United at Seshego Stadium this afternoon.

The club’s continental debut will add to a demanding schedule, with City aiming to make a strong start in the league while preparing for the challenge of representing South Africa in the CAF Confederation Cup. Ben Youssef’s recruitment of Sirino, Morris and Shandu reflects the club’s intention to combine its existing squad with players capable of providing guidance in unfamiliar surroundings.