Durban City Football Club is on the verge of appointing Ernst Middendorp as their new head coach, marking his third stint with the team in less than a season and a half. Middendorp previously served as technical director before departing, but could now take over as head coach following the reported sacking of Khalil Ben Youssef on Saturday night. Ben Youssef had been in charge since pre-season, replacing Pitso Dladla who joined Golden Arrows after leading Durban City to an impressive eighth-place finish and a domestic trophy in the Nedbank Cup.
Khalil Ben Youssef's tenure as Durban City coach was short-lived, with the team struggling to find form under his leadership. Despite a promising start on the continent, winning their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round tie 3-1 on aggregate against Rukinzo of Burundi, Ben Youssef's side suffered a sluggish start in the Betway Premiership, winning only one game, drawing four, and losing two. The team's struggles led to a review and introspection during the Fifa international break, ultimately resulting in the decision to sever ties with Ben Youssef.
The sacking of Khalil Ben Youssef marks the fifth coaching change in the PSL top flight since the season began last month. Other coaches who have lost their jobs include Cedric Kaze (Sekhukhune United), Lehlohonolo Seema (Siwelele FC), Phuti Mohafe (Marumo Gallants), and Ronnie Gabriel (Richards Bay FC). Durban City's chairman, Farook Kadodia, and the board made the decision to part ways with Ben Youssef, citing the team's poor performance as the reason.
Ernst Middendorp is a familiar face at Durban City, having previously worked as technical director. His track record in the PSL, including his time as assistant and co-coach at Kaizer Chiefs, makes him an attractive candidate for the role. However, the team is also reportedly keen on keeping Musa Nyatama as interim coach, who served as assistant to Ben Youssef. But Nyatama lacks the required coaching license to sit on the bench against Port Louis in their upcoming CAF Confederation Cup tie.
Durban City's search for a new coach has become a familiar task since returning to the elite league under their rebranded name. The team has had several coaches come and go, including Sinethemba Badela, Gavin Hunt, and Pitso Dladla. The club's instability has raised concerns about their ability to compete at the top level.
The appointment of Ernst Middendorp as head coach would be a temporary solution, allowing the team to navigate their upcoming fixtures, including the CAF Confederation Cup tie against AS Port Louis from Mauritius. Middendorp's experience and knowledge of the team would be valuable assets in the short term.
Durban City's CAF Confederation Cup campaign is set to continue, with the team facing AS Port Louis in the second preliminary round. The team's performance on the continent has been encouraging, but their domestic form has been inconsistent. The appointment of a new coach will be crucial in turning their season around and achieving success in both the PSL and CAF Confederation Cup.
Key points
- Durban City is considering Ernst Middendorp for a third stint as coach after Khalil Ben Youssef's reported sacking.
- Khalil Ben Youssef's tenure as Durban City coach was short-lived, with the team struggling to find form under his leadership.
- The appointment of Ernst Middendorp as head coach would be a temporary solution, allowing the team to navigate their upcoming fixtures.
