Durban City FC coach Khalil Ben Youssef on job security and MTN8 exit
Durban City FC head coach Khalil Ben Youssef has acknowledged the pressure that comes with his position but insists the club's long-term assessment will only come after 15 matches. The result ended City's hopes of making an early push for silverware, but the Tunisian coach is already looking ahead to a crucial run of fixtures in the Betway Premiership.
Why it matters for Durban City FC
The pressure on Ben Youssef will only increase if the results do not improve. The next fortnight could prove significant for the coach as City attempt to find their rhythm in the top flight. While the agreed 15-game assessment provides the coach with a defined period to build his squad, the reality of football means results will remain the most immediate measure.
What comes next?
City face Golden Arrows next Wednesday before another KwaZulu-Natal derby against Richards Bay at the weekend. Ben Youssef accepts that the pressure will only increase if the results do not improve. "But as coaches we don't make excuses, we continue to work and next week we have two more crucial games and only results can help you keep your job."
The club will have little time to dwell on the MTN8 exit, with another demanding fixture against Arrows coming just days after their defeat to Pirates. Ben Youssef believes it is too early to make definitive judgements on his team, with several players still expected to join the squad. "There are three or more players that still need to join the team in the next two weeks and some will be registered next week and so when we have the entire team ready and the fitness is also proper then we can judge the team."
League standing: 13th in Premier Soccer League, 0 pts, 0W-0D-1L from 1 games, recent form L.
Goals this season: 0 scored, 1 conceded (-1 goal difference).
Title race: 3 points behind leaders Kaizer Chiefs.
The agreed 15-game assessment provides the coach with a defined period to build his squad, but the reality of football means results will remain the most immediate measure. For Ben Youssef, the message is clear: the squad may still be taking shape, but the points must start coming. The next fortnight could prove significant for the coach as City attempt to find their rhythm in the top flight.
