Durban City must sharpen finishing before CAF Confederation Cup debut

Durban City coach Ben Youssef has called for an urgent improvement in front of goal after his side were held to a goalless draw by Stellenbosch FC, just days before their first CAF Confederation Cup match.

The Citizens created the clearer opportunities during Tuesday night’s Betway Premiership meeting at Chatsworth Stadium, but could not turn their control of the game into a decisive result.

The clean sheet was welcomed by Youssef, who said it was evidence that Durban City’s defensive organisation was developing. However, the former Kaizer Chiefs co-coach believes the team’s inability to finish chances is now the more pressing issue ahead of their continental campaign.

“We have to take the positives from this game, it is our second clean sheet and I think the team is starting to play much better. We are creating a lot of opportunities, but unfortunately in the last third the team is unable to score. We need to focus on our finishing, and we need to find solutions before the Confederation Cup because it is very important to win our first game at home before we travel.”

Youssef said Durban City should not discard the defensive structure that has helped them record consecutive clean sheets. Instead, he wants his players to maintain that stability while placing greater emphasis on their attacking movements and composure in the final third.

The draw means Durban City remain sixth in the Betway Premiership standings, with six points from five matches. Stellenbosch FC moved up to 10th on five points.

With the domestic campaign still in its early stages, Youssef has also outlined the club’s wider ambitions for the season. He said another top-eight finish remains an important objective, while the squad will also be expected to compete for another cup success after Durban City’s recent triumph in the Nedbank Cup.

Attention now turns to the club’s first appearance in CAF competition. Durban City will face Burundi’s Rukinzo FC in the first leg of their preliminary-round tie on Sunday.

The match will be played at Moses Mabhida Stadium and is scheduled to begin at 3pm.

A home victory would give Durban City an important advantage before the return fixture away from home. Youssef’s message is clear: the defensive base is beginning to take shape, but the team must find its cutting edge quickly if it is to make a positive start to its continental journey.