Newly appointed Durban City coach Khalil Ben Youssef said his team needs more players in the squad to stand a chance this season in the CAF Confederations Cup.
The added depth in the squad will go a long way to aid the Citizens ahead of a packed season, as they particpate in multiple tournaments, including the Betway Prmiership, MTN8, Nedbank Cup and CAF Confederation Cup. Youssef said the addition of players like Sandile Shandu and Gastón Sirino will be invaluable this season, given their CAF experience.
Youssef made his remarks after Durban City’s 5-4 loss on penalties in the KZN Premier’s Cup on Saturday.
“From our side, what we expected before the game, we ended up doing,” Ben Youssef said.
“In the first and second third, the team was very good. Unfortunately, in the final third, I feel we need a little bit of creativity and to be more decisive.
“Defensively, we performed really well. The opposition didn’t create a lot of opportunities. This was a good challenge to see where we are before the league starts against Sekhukhune.
“I am happy about the team, but we still need about two or three players to help the squad – just to be more sure about the team. We will be playing in a lot of competitions this season, and we need more players from the squad for rotation
Durban shot out of the blocks last season, winning the Nedbank Cup and the R7 million cash prize, which they look to have put to good use by roping in former Chiefs coach Ben Youssef and Sirino.
Last season’s team had good bones, but needed a bit of refinement in the attacking sector, which Ben Youssef commented on as well. Jean Lubumba was one of the only attacking lights in a side cherished for their stubborn defence.
Scoring goals and finding spaces between the league’s best defences will be Durban’s biggest challenge this season.
“With Morris and Sirino, it wasn’t about me knowing them, but us needing players who have been to Africa before,” Ben Youssef explained.
“When we play in the Confederation Cup, we need at least three players who have been in the competition so they can help the others. I think the recruitment of these players will give others confidence.”
