Khalil Ben Youssef expects key trio to be fit for Durban Citys league opener at Sekhukhune United

Durban City head coach Khalil Ben Youssef says he expects Gaston Sirino, Mfanafuthi Mkhize and Fezile Gcaba to be available for the club’s Betway Premiership opener away to Sekhukhune United on Saturday, 1 August.

The Citizens begin their 2026-27 campaign at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, and Ben Youssef is confident that the minor fitness concerns which kept three of his players out of the KZN Premier’s Cup will not affect his selection for the first league match.

Sirino was rested for the pre-season competition at the weekend after feeling discomfort in training last week, while Mkhize and Gcaba were also sidelined as a precaution.

Injury concerns handled cautiously

Ben Youssef explained that the club chose not to risk any of the trio in pre-season, after all three reported pain in the build-up to the KZN Premier’s Cup fixtures.

“No, there are three players, we didn’t want to take the risk with them, they felt a little bit of pain two days ago,” said Ben Youssef.

“So, we decided with the medical staff to give them rest and then they will be available next week.

“It’s not only Sirino, it’s [Mfanafuthi] Mkhize, it’s [Fezile] Gcaba. Three players are out today and hopefully next week they will start the next session with us.”

The Tunisian coach underlined that the decision was made jointly with Durban City’s medical department, emphasising that the problems were not regarded as serious and that the focus was on ensuring all three players are fully fit for competitive action.

Reunion in the dugout

The trip to Polokwane will also pit Ben Youssef against a familiar face in the opposition technical area.

Sekhukhune United are now led by Cedric Kaze, who shared the bench with Ben Youssef at Kaizer Chiefs last season, when the pair worked together as co-coaches.

Their reunion adds an extra layer of intrigue to Durban City’s first league outing of the season, with both coaches now looking to make a positive start in their respective roles.

Season opener in focus

Durban City, nicknamed the Citizens, will start the new Betway Premiership campaign aiming to have a full-strength squad at Ben Youssef’s disposal, with Sirino, Mkhize and Gcaba all expected to resume training in the coming days.

The clash against Sekhukhune United at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium will be the first competitive test of Ben Youssef’s preparations for 2026-27, following a pre-season in which player fitness has been carefully managed.