Durban City FC have tabled an offer to former Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef as they move closer to appointing a new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 season, FARPost can reveal.
The 2026 Nedbank Cup champions are searching for a successor to Simo Dladla, who guided the club through a memorable campaign that culminated in silverware and a strong finish in the Betway Premiership. Dladla was in charge on an interim basis.
Sources have indicated that Ben Youssef has emerged as the leading candidate for the position, with Durban City management having already held discussions with the Tunisian tactician before formally presenting an offer.
Ben Youssef, formerly an assistant coach at AS FAR Rabat, is understood to be considering the proposal.
Should he accept, it would mark Ben Youssef’s first appointment as a sole head coach after spending the past two seasons working as an assistant and co-coach in South African football.
Ben Youssef arrived at Kaizer Chiefs as part of Nasreddine Nabi’s technical team and later stepped into a co-coaching role alongside Cédric Kaze. The two co-coaches guided Amakhosi to an impressive third-place finish, securing both a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup and MTN8.
DURBAN CITY SEEK STABILITY AFTER COACHING CHANGES
The move comes as Durban City look to bring stability to a club that experienced several coaching changes last season.
The KwaZulu-Natal outfit began last season under veteran coach Gavin Hunt before making a change and appointing Sinethemba Badela. Badela was only in charge for three games. Dladla stepped in and ultimately led the club to Nedbank Cup glory and a top-eight finish in their first season back in the top-flight.
Club officials are now believed to be looking for a long-term appointment capable of building on those achievements and helping the team establish itself in top-flight football.
WHY BEN YOUSSEF IS AN ATTRACTIVE OPTION
One of the factors working in Ben Youssef’s favour is his coaching qualifications. The Tunisian holds a CAF A Licence, a credential that would allow him to serve as head coach on the bench in official competitions.
Dladla, who does not hold a CAF A Licence, would have been unable to fulfil that role during matches despite overseeing the team.
Ben Youssef’s familiarity with South African football, combined with his experience at one of the country’s biggest clubs, is understood to have strengthened his candidacy.
Durban City are expected to conclude their coaching appointment before the start of pre-season, as they prepare for a campaign that will include continental football, defending its Nedbank Cup crown and another push for a strong league finish.
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