Eric Tinkler set for Durban City return as PSL coaching changes continue

Eric Tinkler is poised to return to South Africa’s top flight with Durban City after Khalil Ben Youssef was dismissed at the weekend.

The former South Africa international left Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko on Monday after asking to be released from his contract for “personal reasons”. His departure has reportedly cleared the way for an immediate return to the Betway Premiership, with Durban City expected to be his next club.

Ben Youssef’s dismissal made him the fifth top-flight coach to lose his job since the season began last month. He followed Cedric Kaze of Sekhukhune United, Lehlohonolo Seema of Siwelele FC, Phuti Mohafe of Marumo Gallants and Ronnie Gabriel of Richards Bay.

Kaze was the first manager to go after Sekhukhune suffered three successive defeats against Orlando Pirates. Seema was then dismissed when Siwelele failed to win any of their opening five matches. Mohafe subsequently left Marumo Gallants, while Gabriel resigned from his position at Richards Bay.

A move to Durban City would take Tinkler back to familiar surroundings. He previously worked with Farook Kadodia during his time in charge of Maritzburg United.

The latest managerial change comes only two months into the campaign and after seven matches, highlighting the limited patience shown by some club owners. Half of the league’s teams have already changed coaches, with further departures expected before the end of the year.

Abram Mongoya of Kruger United and Brandon Truter of Chippa United are among those whose positions are not considered secure. Bernard Parker has also reportedly been demoted to assistant coach at TS Galaxy.

Kruger United have won only once in seven matches, losing five and drawing one to collect four points. Chippa United have also recorded a single victory, alongside five draws and one defeat, leaving them ninth in the table.

Should Tinkler take charge of Durban City, the Fifa break would give him at least two weeks to prepare the team for its next league and continental fixtures.

His possible appointment would also underline the continued turnover in the PSL dugouts. Only seven coaches who ended last season with their clubs remain in charge of those same teams.

Coaches who finished last season with their teams

Abdeslam Ouaddou – Orlando Pirates Miguel Cardoso – Mamelodi Sundowns Arthur Zwane – AmaZulu Gavin Hunt – Stellenbosch FC Brandon Truter – Chippa United Abram Mongoya – Kruger United Xanti Pupuma – Milford FC Bernard Parker – TS Galaxy, reportedly demoted to assistant coach

Teams who began the season with new coaches

Kaizer Chiefs – Fernando Da Cruz Sekhukhune United – Cedric Kaze, sacked Lamontville Golden Arrows – Pitso Dladla Durban City – Khalil Ben Youssef, sacked Polokwane City – Bayano Moloto Siwelele FC – Lehlohonolo Seema, sacked Marumo Gallants – Phuti Mohafe, sacked