Durban City sack coach head Khalil Ben Youssef

Durban City have parted ways with head coach Khalil Ben Youssef with immediate effect in a surprise decision that came just hours after the Tunisian oversaw the team’s training session.

The abrupt dismissal reportedly caught many within the club off guard, with some players said to have been unaware of the decision when it was made.

Ben Youssef leaves Durban City after a brief spell in charge in which he helped the club reach the second preliminary round of the 2026-27 CAF Confederation Cup, but struggled to build momentum in the domestic league.

The club sit 10th in the standings after collecting seven points from their opening seven league matches.

The timing of the decision has added to the sense of surprise surrounding Ben Youssef’s departure.

The 44-year-old took charge of training as normal earlier in the day before Durban City later opted to terminate his contract, bringing his tenure to an immediate end.

No official explanation for the dismissal has yet been made public, but the move leaves the club searching for a new coach at a crucial stage of the season as they balance domestic commitments with continental ambitions.

Ben Youssef arrived at Durban City after leaving fellow South African side Kaizer Chiefs, where he had built a reputation within the country’s football landscape.

One of the notable achievements of his time with Durban City was steering the club into the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup, keeping their hopes of reaching the group stage alive.

However, league form proved less convincing.

A return of seven points from seven matches left the club in mid-table, a record that appears to have fallen short of the expectations of the club’s hierarchy.

Despite his unexpected exit, Ben Youssef is expected to remain in South Africa for the time being.

Sources close to the coach indicate he is not rushing into another role and will only consider taking charge of a new team if the right opportunity presents itself.

His availability is likely to attract attention from clubs seeking an experienced coach with knowledge of South African football and continental competition, particularly after his recent work with Durban City in the CAF Confederation Cup.