Durban City appoint Eric Tinkler as head coach for 2026/27 season

Durban City have appointed Eric Tinkler as their new head coach, replacing Khalil Ben Youssef after the club’s difficult start to the campaign.

Ben Youssef was dismissed after seven matches, during which Durban City recorded one win, four draws and two defeats. The Tunisian coach also guided the club into the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Tinkler returns to the Betway Prem after leaving Ghana Premier League side Asante Kotoko three months into his tenure as head coach.

The former Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City manager did, however, collect silverware during his short spell in Ghana. He led Asante Kotoko to victory in the 2026 Democracy Cup, his first trophy in Accra.

The Porcupine Warriors defeated fierce rivals Accra Hearts of Oak 4-1 on penalties in the third edition of the competition at Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi late in August.

Durban City, the Nedbank Cup champions, have confirmed that Tinkler will remain in charge for the rest of the 2026/27 campaign.

“Durban City FC is pleased to announce the appointment of Eric Tinkler as the Club’s new Head Coach,” the club said in a statement.

Tinkler said he was looking forward to becoming part of the project at Durban City, with the club’s involvement in the CAF Confederation Cup a significant factor in his decision.

“I’m excited to be part of what is being built here at Durban City FC,” he said.

“The club is very ambitious, they have made positive strides in a short space of time, competing in the CAF Confederation Cup already, and that made my decision easy.”