Durban City chairman Farook Kadodia believes the club has struck the right balance between strengthening the squad and preserving the culture that underpinned an impressive first season in the Premiership.
After an eventful off-season that saw changes to both the coaching staff and playing personnel, Kadodia is confident the groundwork has been laid for another successful campaign, one that will include domestic football as well as the CAF Confederation Cup.
“Pre-season has been very encouraging, and I am pleased with the work that has been done by the technical team and the players in training so far,” Kadodia said.
“Every new season presents a fresh opportunity to improve, and our focus has been on ensuring that we are fully prepared for the challenges ahead.”
Behind the scenes, Durban City have been among the busiest clubs in South African football. The club responded swiftly to the departure of Pitso Dladla, who joined Golden Arrows, by appointing Khalil Ben Youssef as head coach.
Ben Youssef arrives with a strong reputation after helping Kaizer Chiefs secure a third-place finish last season and now faces the task of leading Durban City through the demands of a packed fixture list.
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The technical team has also been strengthened by the appointment of former Orlando Pirates midfielder Musa Nyatama as assistant coach. Having gained coaching experience with Moroka Swallows and Upington City, Nyatama brings valuable Premiership knowledge to the club’s new-look management structure.
Kadodia insists the changes have been carefully planned rather than driven by a desire for wholesale transformation.
“We have worked to strengthen the squad where necessary while maintaining the culture and ambition that define Durban City FC,” he said. “We are excited for the season ahead and remain committed to making our supporters proud through our performances both on and off the field.”
That emphasis on continuity reflects the club’s broader philosophy. Rather than rebuilding from scratch, Durban City have sought to add experience and depth while retaining the core identity that established them as one of the Premiership’s surprise packages last season.
With expectations now considerably higher, the KwaZulu-Natal club believe they are equipped to compete consistently across multiple competitions while continuing their rapid rise in South African football.