Ernst Middendorp emerges as contender to replace dismissed Durban City coach Khalil Ben Youssef

Ernst Middendorp has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Khalil Ben Youssef as Durban City coach after the Tunisian was dismissed on Saturday.

SABC Sport understands that Middendorp continued working with the club as a consultant during Ben Youssef’s short spell in charge, periodically submitting reports to the hierarchy.

The German coach has had several spells with the club, dating back to its time as Maritzburg United, and is highly regarded by chairman Farook Kadodia.

Ben Youssef’s departure follows a difficult start to the Betway Premiership campaign, with City recording only one victory in their opening seven matches. The decision was reportedly made during a short meeting in which the coach was informed of the club’s assessment.

The Tunisian had agreed a one-year contract with an option to extend it by a further two seasons. He joined City after his spell at AmaKhosi, where he and Cedric Kaze led Chiefs to a third-place finish.

Musa Nyatama, who became part of Ben Youssef’s technical staff at the beginning of the 2026/27 campaign, remains with the club.

However, Nyatama does not hold a CAF A Licence, meaning Durban City need a suitably qualified coach to take charge from the bench in their CAF Confederation Cup matches. The club have reached the group stage play-offs in that competition.

City are not due to play again until 13 October, when they meet high-flying AmaZulu in a KwaZulu-Natal derby.

Despite that gap in the fixture schedule, the club’s hierarchy decided to make a change immediately and begin the search for a new coach during the FIFA international break.

Middendorp’s possible return comes after a season in which City also made several changes in the dugout. Gavin Hunt started last campaign as head coach before being replaced by Sinethemba Badela.

Pitso Dladla then took charge for the final stages of the season and guided the club to Nedbank Cup success and a top-eight finish. He was subsequently dismissed.

City’s latest coaching change means the club are once again reviewing their technical leadership after a quiet beginning to the current campaign. Middendorp is now among the names under consideration, with Nyatama expected to remain in a supporting role.