Durban City seek continental landmark as Ben Youssef calls for goals

Durban City FC will make club history on Sunday when they host Burundi’s Rukinzo FC in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary-round tie at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The Nedbank Cup champions are appearing in inter-club continental competition for the first time, adding significance to an occasion that coach Khalil Ben Youssef hopes will also mark a revival in front of goal.

Durban City have made a steady start defensively in the Premiership, conceding only twice in five matches. However, a series of draws has limited their progress, including a goalless result against Stellenbosch FC in midweek.

Their strongest performance so far came in a 2-0 away victory over Kruger United. Ben Youssef knows his side will need to be more clinical against Rukinzo, particularly because the tie will be decided over two legs.

“The difficult point that we have is that we are failing to score goals in the last few games,” Ben Youssef acknowledged at a pre-match media conference at Moses Mabhida on Saturday. “The team is performing very well, but it’s not able to score.

“Tomorrow we are in a situation where we need to score – not only one goal, but more goals, so that it makes it easier when we travel to Burundi.”

Durban City have worked to overcome the limited information available about their opponents. The club’s analysts obtained footage of Rukinzo’s last three Ligue A matches and studied the recordings ahead of Sunday’s encounter.

Rukinzo arrive in South Africa unbeaten in their domestic campaign. They began with a 2-1 victory over Panthere Noir FC before drawing 0-0 with Musongati FC and Olympic Star Muyinga FC.

That sequence is similar to Durban City’s recent results and raises the prospect of a cautious, low-scoring first leg. Another goalless draw would suit the Burundian visitors as they prepare for the return match.

Ben Youssef expects Rukinzo could defend deep in an attempt to preserve a positive result for the second game, but he has prepared for more than one approach.

“Football speaks the same language everywhere,” Ben Youssef explained. “We expect they are coming to defend to keep a positive result for the second game. But we expect both scenarios – if they sit back, we have our plan; if they press high, we have a second plan.”

Most of the Durban City squad have never played in African inter-club competition. Ben Youssef has previously worked on technical staffs across Africa, but he rejected the idea that his own experience would increase the pressure on him, instead focusing on preparing his players for the challenge.

“It’s something new for 95% of the team,” Ben Youssef noted. “It’s our job as a technical staff to give them confidence and make them feel they are representing the country. Why not reach the group stage? It’s something very positive for their name, their CV, and their career.”

Captain Brooklyn Poggenpoel said the players were treating the match as an opportunity rather than allowing the occasion to overwhelm them.

“It’s more football than an occasion,” Poggenpoel said. “Obviously it’s a big milestone for the club to be competing in Africa, but it’s just the first step. The mood in the camp has been positive. When the collective does well, individuals will achieve more.”

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00. Durban City’s immediate objectives are to protect their home advantage, keep a clean sheet and take a significant lead to the return leg in Burundi.