Durban City back untested Ben Youssef to lead ‘next step’ after Chiefs stint

Durban City have handed the head coach role to former Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef, with chairman Farook Kadodia insisting the Tunisian is the right man to elevate the club despite his lack of experience as a stand‐alone head coach.

Ben Youssef, who spent two seasons at Chiefs, departed the Soweto club at the end of the 2025/26 campaign and now takes charge of Durban City ahead of the new Betway Premiership season.

The 44-year-old\ initially joined Amakhosi as an assistant to fellow Tunisian Nasreddine Nabi before being elevated to a co-coaching role alongside Cedric Kaze. The pair steered Chiefs to a third-place finish in last season’s Premiership, securing continental qualification and stabilising the side after a period of upheaval.

\Age not stated in original text – indicative only if needed; can be omitted in publication.

Club targets continuity after progress

Durban City, who showed signs of improvement last season, have opted for continuity in their project by appointing a coach already familiar with South African football and modern analytical methods.

Kadodia, speaking to SNAWA, said the club had carefully considered Ben Youssef’s contribution at Chiefs before making their decision.

“I think that the reality is that we needed to take the team up from where we left off and, more importantly, we hope that this is the coach that we believe in,” Kadodia said on SNAWA.

“It’s not us all the time that we love to change coaches during the season, and I hope that coach Khalil can make us proud this season.”

Durban City finished mid-table last term but showed enough in their performances to convince the hierarchy that a more data-driven and tactical approach could push them closer to the league’s leading pack.

‘Technically astute’ and grounded in analysis

Kadodia highlighted Ben Youssef’s analytical background and technical knowledge as pivotal reasons behind the appointment.

“Look, in my interview, basically, I felt he is a coach that is technically astute, and he comes from a strong background in analysis, and he’s transferred that to his coaching qualifications,” he added.

“I think the important thing is that, yes, hard work in this game is important.

“We basically judged the work that was done, what we believe his contribution was at Kaizer Chiefs, to qualify for this job.

“And the fact that the foreign coach worked two years in this country means he knows a bit of the local football.”

The chairman’s comments suggest the club values not only Ben Youssef’s tactical input but also his exposure to the nuances of South African football culture and playing styles during his time with Chiefs.

From Soweto giants to Durban project

Ben Youssef arrives in Durban with expectations that he can replicate, and possibly exceed, the standards set at Chiefs, where he worked within a high-pressure environment and helped secure a top-three finish in a competitive campaign.

At Chiefs, his role evolved from support to shared leadership, working in tandem with Kaze as the Soweto club looked to re-establish itself among the continent’s top sides. While he has yet to manage alone at this level, his promotion into a sole head coach role at Durban City marks a significant step in his career.

Durban City will hope that his familiarity with local opposition, coupled with his reputation for detailed match preparation, can translate into improved league performances and a potential push for the top half of the table.

Pressure and opportunity ahead of new season

The club’s stance against frequent mid-season coaching changes places additional emphasis on stability. By publicly backing Ben Youssef’s appointment and framing it as a considered decision rather than a gamble, Kadodia has signalled that the Tunisian will be given time to implement his ideas.

With the new Betway Premiership season approaching, attention will now turn to how quickly Ben Youssef can imprint his tactical philosophy on the squad, and whether his experience at one of the country’s biggest clubs can be converted into sustained success in Durban.