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 at City before departing. His potential return comes after the reported sacking of coach Khalil Ben Youssef on Saturday night. Ben Youssef had taken over at City during pre-season, following the departure of Pitso Dladla.
Khalil Ben Youssef's tenure at Durban City got off to a challenging start, with the team being eliminated from the MTN8 and managing only one win, four draws, and two losses in the Betway Premiership. However, Ben Youssef showed promise in the CAF Confederation Cup, winning their preliminary round tie 3-1 on aggregate against Rukinzo of Burundi. The team was set to face AS Port Louis from Mauritius in the second preliminary round. Despite this, the club's chairman, Farook Kadodia, and the board decided to sever ties with Ben Youssef.
Ben Youssef's departure marks the fifth coaching change in the PSL top flight since the season began last month. Other coaches who have left their positions include Cedric Kaze (Sekhukhune United), Lehlohonolo Seema (Siwelele FC), Phuti Mohafe (Marumo Gallants), and Ronnie Gabriel (Richards Bay FC). Durban City's history of frequent coaching changes continues, with the team having had multiple coaches since returning to the elite league under their rebranded name.
The club is reportedly keen on keeping Musa Nyatama as interim coach while he serves as assistant to Ben Youssef. However, this poses a challenge as Nyatama lacks the required coaching license to sit on the bench against Port Louis. Consequently, rekindling their relationship with Middendorp appears to be a viable temporary solution. Middendorp has experience working at Kaizer Chiefs as an assistant and co-coach.
Ernst Middendorp's potential return to Durban City has raised eyebrows, given his previous two spells at the team. Middendorp's track record includes working with top teams, and the club may be looking to capitalize on his experience. The German-born coach could be appointed as head coach, replacing Ben Youssef.
Durban City's search for a new coach has become a familiar task since returning to the elite league. The team began their top-flight return under Sinethemba Badela, who was soon replaced by Gavin Hunt. Hunt did not last long either and was replaced by Pitso Dladla, who led the team to a top-eight finish and CAF Confederation Cup qualification on an interim basis.
The appointment of a new coach will be crucial for Durban City's performance in the upcoming matches, including their CAF Confederation Cup tie against AS Port Louis. The team's chairman, Farook Kadodia, and the board will be hoping that Middendorp's experience can help the team achieve success.
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 at Durban City got off to a challenging start, with the team being eliminated from the MTN8 and managing a modest record in the Betway Premiership.
- The appointment of a new coach will be crucial for Durban City's performance in the upcoming matches, including their CAF Confederation Cup tie against AS Port Louis.
