Eric Tinkler will take charge of Durban City FC for the first time in a competitive fixture when they host AmaZulu FC in a Betway Premiership KZN derby on Tuesday. The match at Chatsworth Stadium marks the start of a new chapter for the Citizens, who sit 10th in the table with seven points from seven games.

Tinkler was appointed head coach last Thursday, succeeding Khalil Ben Youssef. He arrives with a clear mandate to improve league results while maintaining progress in the CAF Confederation Cup and domestic cup competitions. "I’m excited to be part of what is being built here at Durban City FC," Tinkler said. "The club is very ambitious. They have made positive strides in a short space of time, competing in the CAF Confederation Cup already and that made my decision easy."

His relationship with chairman Farook Kadodia, forged during a successful spell together at Maritzburg United, was a key factor in the move. Tinkler brings extensive experience from roles with Orlando Pirates, Cape Town City, SuperSport United and most recently Ghana's Asante Kotoko.

Immediate derby challenge

His first test is a significant one. AmaZulu arrive in Chatsworth in third place, having taken 16 points from their opening seven matches. Durban City, by contrast, have won just once in the league this season. Their last outing was a 1-1 draw away to Milford FC before the international break, with L. Sifumba scoring the equaliser. You can review the team's recent form and upcoming fixtures.

Goalkeeper Frederick Asare said the squad is ready for the challenge. "It’s our first match back after the international break, so we want to return with a positive result," Asare said. "We know AmaZulu are a good side and that it will be a tough fixture, but we have prepared well and worked hard in training."

Tinkler has indicated he won't make sweeping changes to a squad that achieved success last season, focusing instead on restoring winning momentum. The immediate target is to climb from the lower half of the standings, a task that begins with a positive result against their local rivals. The full squad list is available for the new coach to select from. Kick-off at Chatsworth Stadium is scheduled for 19h30 on Tuesday, 13 October.

Background and full detail: durbancityfc.com

Eric Tinkler's first competitive match in charge ended in a 2-1 home defeat to AmaZulu on Tuesday. The club confirmed Durban City fell behind early to a Mondli Mbanjwa strike and an A. Maqokola goal just before half-time. Substitute Haashim Domingo scored a 72nd-minute reply, but the team could not find an equaliser. The loss leaves Durban City 10th in the Premier Soccer League with seven points from eight games.