Reigning Nedbank Cup champions Durban City FC have officially unveiled former Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef as their new head coach ahead of the highly anticipated 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.
The 37-year-old Tunisian tactician replaces Pitso Dladla, who parted ways with the KwaZulu-Natal-based outfit despite guiding them to Nedbank Cup glory earlier this year.
Ben Youssef arrives in Durban with a wealth of top-flight experience. He spent the last two seasons at Naturena, initially joining Chiefs as an assistant to Nasreddine Nabi before being elevated to the co-coaching role in September 2025.
During his tenure at Naturena, Ben Youssef played a pivotal role in reviving the club’s fortunes. Working alongside Cedric Kaze, he helped guide Amakhosi to a top-three finish last season—marking Chiefs’ best league campaign in recent years after shockingly missing out on the top eight for the previous two consecutive seasons. This impressive turnaround also secured the Glamour Boys a spot in the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup.
Prior to stepping into the co-coaching role, Ben Youssef served as the first assistant coach under Nasreddine Nabi, alongside second assistant Kaze. During this time, the technical team famously masterminded a Nedbank Cup victory, breaking Chiefs’ devastating 10-year trophy drought.
BEN YOUSSEF BEGINS NEW JOURNEY AFTER CHIEFS EXIT
Announced by the club on Wednesday morning, Ben Youssef’s appointment signals Durban City’s clear ambitions to build a highly competitive squad.
“Durban City FC is pleased to announce the appointment of Khalil Ben Youssef as the Club’s new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 season,” the club said on its website.
“The 37-year-old Tunisian tactician joins Durban City FC as the Club embarks on an exciting new chapter following a historic period of growth and success.
“A holder of the CAF A Licence, Ben Youssef brings extensive coaching experience from across Africa and the Middle East.
“Having worked in Tunisia, Morocco, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, he has developed a strong reputation for his tactical expertise and commitment to building competitive teams.
“His coaching journey has seen him hold senior technical roles at AS FAR Rabat, Young Africans SC, Club Africain and Al Ahli SC. Most recently, he served within the technical team at Kaizer Chiefs, gaining valuable insight into the demands and competitive nature of the Betway Premiership.
“As Durban City FC prepares for an exciting 2026/27 campaign that includes the Betway Premiership, domestic cup competitions and the CAF Confederation Cup, Ben Youssef’s appointment reinforces the club’s commitment to long-term stability and continued football excellence.”
WHAT BEN YOUSSEF SAID ABOUT DURBAN CITY
Meanwhile, Ben Youssef reflected on securing the Durban City job, admitting that his first mandate is to make the club competitive.
“I am honoured to join Durban City FC and would like to thank the chairman, the board of directors, and everyone at the club for the trust they have placed in me.
“This is an ambitious club with a clear vision for the future, and I am excited to begin working with the players and technical staff as we prepare for the season ahead. My focus is on building a competitive team that reflects the values and ambitions of Durban City FC.”
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