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Durban City considers Ernst Middendorp for a third spell after Khalil Ben Youssef's dismissal
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Durban City considers Ernst Middendorp for a third spell after Khalil Ben Youssef's dismissal

Ernst Middendorp is on the verge of his third return to Durban City less than a year and a half later. He is actively mentioned as a potential candidate to replace coach Khalil Ben Youssef, who was dismissed on Saturday evening.

Previously, Middendorp worked twice at City last season as technical director before leaving the team. Now, the German coach could be brought in as head coach for his third stint to replace Ben Youssef.

Ben Youssef took charge of the club in the pre-season after Pitso Dladla left, moving to Golden Arrows. Dladla departed the team after an impressive eighth-place finish in the league table and winning an unprecedented Nedbank Cup trophy.

Despite having experience with Kaizer Chiefs as an assistant and co-coach, significant success was expected from him. However, his start was sluggish: the team was eliminated from MTN8, winning only one match, drawing four, and losing two in the Betway Premiership.

On the continental level, the Tunisian started reasonably well, securing a 3-1 victory against Rukinzo from Burundi in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round, leaving them just one match away from group stage qualification for the first time. Next, they are set to face AS Port Louis from Mauritius in the second preliminary round.

During the FIFA international break, the club conducted analysis and self-assessment amid a tense start to the season. It was subsequently revealed that the club chairman, Farouk Kadodia, and the board of directors decided to terminate relations with Ben Youssef.

Former deputy Nasreddin Nabi became the fifth coach to leave the PSL top division since the start of the season, joining Cedric Kase (Sekhukhune United), Lehlokhono lo Sime (Siwelele FC), Futi Mohafe (Marumo Gallants), and Ronnie Gabriel (Richards Bay FC).

The club now has to search for a new coach for City—a task that has become all too familiar for the club since its return to the elite league under a new brand, previously known as Maritzburg United.

At the beginning of their return to the top division, they worked under Sinethemba Badela, who was soon replaced by Gavin Hunt. The multiple league champion also did not last long and was replaced by Dladla, who temporarily led the team to eighth place in the table and qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup.

It is reported that the club is interested in keeping Musa Nyatama as interim coach while he serves as Ben Youssef's assistant. However, this presents a problem as he lacks the necessary coaching license to sit on the bench against Port Louis. Consequently, resuming relations with Middendorp appears to be a viable temporary solution.

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Durban City relies on defense in CAF Confederation Cup historical match against Rukinzo FC in Burundi
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Durban City relies on defense in CAF Confederation Cup historical match against Rukinzo FC in Burundi

The Durban City team will travel for the second leg of their confrontation in the CAF Confederation Cup against Rukinzo FC at Intwari Stadium in Bujumbura on Sunday. Before this match, the team has a slight advantage in the scoreline—1:0.

Although the team does not expect a powerful attacking potential in Burundi, it is confident in its solid defense. This match, which is the club's first away game in the continental inter-club tournament, is considered one of the most significant in the history of Nedbank Cup winners. The two-legged aggregate advantage was gained thanks to Rukinzo's own goal in the first match at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

During the season, City managed to score more than one goal only once, which occurred during an away victory over Kruger United with a score of 2:0. The start of the season also included two goalless draws.

Team Preparation

Head coach Khalil Ben Youssef criticized the lack of sharpness in attack, but he managed to create exceptional stability in defense. Ben Youssef built his structure around the main defensive unit, consisting of Siyabonga Msomi, Siphamandla Ncanana, John Mokone, and Bandile Shandu, as well as involving Emmanuel Jalai, Liam de Kock, and versatile player Tylo Sanger.

The central midfielder and captain of the club, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, plays a key role in this core. He performs heavy work in front of the defense, providing a vital shield through intense pressing, positional discipline, and tackling skills, allowing City's creative players to operate confidently.

Together, this group has secured three consecutive clean sheets in all competitions, starting with the victory over Kruger United. Moreover, throughout the season, City suffered only one league defeat, which happened in the first match against Sekhukhune United.

This strong defensive block is also supported by Ghanaian goalkeeper Frederick Asare, who is in inspiring form. Another match without conceding goals guarantees passage to the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup. Asare shared his thoughts: 'Preparation this week went very well and positively. The coaches prepared us mentally, physically, and tactically. The result of the first match had a positive impact in the camp. We expected to win by a large margin, but Rukinzo were well-organized tactically and were difficult to break down.'

He added that this historic campaign means a lot to him because it provides the opportunity to compete with the best clubs in Africa. 'It is a serious test for a club traveling to Burundi with a narrow victory, but we are all determined and focused. I firmly believe that thanks to our preparation, we will bring the victory back to Durban.'

Match Prospects

Ben Youssef remains realistic about the upcoming challenge. In Durban, Rukinzo demonstrated dangerous counterattacks, but trailing the aggregate score 1:0, the hosts from Burundi will now be forced to open up and try to level the score with the visitors.

The coach warned: 'It will be a tough game. Rukinzo is a good team, and we know what they are capable of, especially in attack. We have worked hard this week and are ready for the game.' If Poggenpoel and the City defenders can hold up against the urgently attacking Rukinzo team, another clean sheet will write the next chapter in the club's historic continental journey.

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