Durban City chairman Kadodia backs Ben Youssef and Nyatama to drive next phase without losing club’s identity

Durban City chairman Farook Kadodia says the club have rebuilt for the new Betway Premiership season without sacrificing the identity he believes underpinned their impressive debut in South Africa’s top flight.

Kadodia, whose club are preparing for a second year in the Premiership as well as a first tilt at the CAF Confederation Cup, is adamant that off-season changes have been carefully managed rather than radical.

“Pre-season has been very encouraging, and I am pleased with the work that has been done by the technical team and the players in training so far,” he said. “Every new season presents a fresh opportunity to improve, and our focus has been on ensuring that we are fully prepared for the challenges ahead.”

New technical team for demanding campaign

Durban City moved quickly to reshape their coaching structure after head coach Pitso Dladla left to join Golden Arrows, appointing Khalil Ben Youssef as his successor.

Ben Youssef arrives with strong credentials, having played a key role in Kaizer Chiefs securing a third-place finish in the league last season. He now takes charge of a Durban City side facing a more congested calendar, with domestic competitions and continental commitments to navigate.

To support him, the club have brought in former Orlando Pirates midfielder Musa Nyatama as assistant coach. Nyatama, who has begun to establish himself on the touchline with spells at Moroka Swallows and Upington City, adds further Premier Soccer League experience to the Durban City technical setup.

Balancing recruitment with club culture

Kadodia insists that the changes in the dugout form part of an evolution rather than a break with the principles that lifted the KwaZulu-Natal club into the top tier and kept them competitive.

“We have worked to strengthen the squad where necessary while maintaining the culture and ambition that define Durban City FC,” he said. “We are excited for the season ahead and remain committed to making our supporters proud through our performances both on and off the field.”

That approach has been mirrored in their transfer strategy. Rather than overhaul the playing squad that exceeded expectations in their first Premiership campaign, Durban City have focused on adding experienced players in targeted positions to enhance competition without unsettling the core of the team.

Continuity at the heart of Durban City’s plans

The appointments of Ben Youssef and Nyatama, together with the measured recruitment drive, underline Kadodia’s preference for continuity over sweeping change. While there are new voices in the technical area, the chairman has consistently emphasised that the values and playing identity that have driven the club’s rise must remain intact.

That ethos, he believes, is central to ensuring that Durban City’s rapid progress is sustained rather than short-lived.

After quickly establishing themselves as one of the country’s fastest-rising clubs, Durban City now step into a second top-flight season with higher expectations and greater scrutiny. A strengthened backroom staff, a bolstered but familiar squad and a clear commitment from the boardroom to preserve the club’s culture leave Kadodia confident that City can remain competitive on several fronts.

With domestic league and cup fixtures to manage alongside their CAF Confederation Cup adventure, Durban City face a sterner examination than in their breakthrough year. But the club’s hierarchy is convinced the foundations laid over the off-season – and the determination to retain a distinct Durban City identity – give them a platform to continue their upward trajectory.