Tinkler targets CAF Confederation Cup group stage with Durban City

New Durban City head coach Eric Tinkler says his team must improve significantly if they are to reach the CAF Confederation Cup group stages.

The Citizens are competing in continental football for the first time after qualifying by winning last season’s Nedbank Cup. They advanced from the opening preliminary round with a 3-1 aggregate victory over Burundi’s Rukinzo FC.

City will now meet Mauritian club AS Port-Louis 2000 in the second preliminary round, with progression to the group stage at stake.

Tinkler, who was speaking after Durban City’s 2-1 Betway Premiership defeat by KwaZulu-Natal rivals AmaZulu, said the chance to lead a team in Africa was a major factor in his decision to join the club.

“Being involved in CAF Competitions is something every club and every coach wants to be part of. Both legs are crucial to qualify but in between these we have other difficult domestic games to take of,” he said.

“The CAF Confederation Cup was one of the main reasons why I came here and we want to cement ourselves in that competition which will take a lot of hard work.”

AS Port-Louis 2000 qualified for the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup after winning the Mauritian domestic cup competition.

Tinkler said his coaching staff had already started preparing for the tie and obtained video footage of their upcoming opponents. The material will allow City to study the Mauritian side’s strengths and style before the first leg.

“We actually managed to get some footage so we’ll be analysing that and examine the opposition for the first time before we get stuck in this weekend,” he said.

The first-leg preparations come as Durban City look to recover from another Betway Premiership setback.

AmaZulu took control of the match by scoring twice in the opening half, while Tinkler felt the hosts were more clinical with the chances they created.

Despite the defeat, the City manager said there were encouraging aspects in his players’ performance, particularly their response after falling behind.

Tinkler praised the character and determination shown by his squad as they attempted to fight back into the match, although they were unable to prevent AmaZulu from claiming victory.

The result leaves Durban City needing to balance their domestic commitments with their continental campaign. Tinkler said both matches against AS Port-Louis 2000 would be essential to their hopes of reaching the group stages, while difficult Betway Premiership fixtures will continue to take place between the two legs.