Independent Newspapers has established that former Orlando Pirates midfielder Musa Nyatama has arrived in Durban ahead of completing a move to Durban City as assistant coach.
Sources close to the negotiations have indicated that Nyatama landed in the city on Wednesday, with the final stages of his appointment expected to be concluded before he officially joins Ben Youssef Khalil’s technical team for the new Betway Premiership season.
Should the deal be finalised as expected, Nyatama will serve as one of Khalil’s assistants alongside Ashraf Hendricks, completing Durban City’s coaching staff as the club prepares for a campaign that will include domestic football and the CAF Confederation Cup.
The appointment would represent another important step in Nyatama’s coaching journey after enjoying a distinguished playing career in the Premier Soccer League. Since retiring, the former midfielder has steadily built his reputation from the dugout, taking on coaching responsibilities across different levels of South African football whilst earning praise for his tactical understanding and ability to work with young players.
His expected arrival also continues Durban City’s rebuild behind the scenes following a year of significant changes within the club’s technical department. The Citizens have undergone several coaching changes over the past twelve months, with Gavin Hunt, Sinethemba Badela, and Ernst Middendorp all departing at different stages as the club searched for stability.
Despite the upheaval, Durban City exceeded expectations during their maiden Betway Premiership campaign, finishing sixth with 41 points before capping a memorable season by lifting the Nedbank Cup to secure qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup.
Those achievements have increased expectations ahead of the new campaign, with the club moving quickly to assemble a technical team capable of competing on multiple fronts.
Khalil, who recently took over as head coach after leaving Kaizer Chiefs, has already begun shaping his backroom staff, with Hendricks retained as part of the coaching setup. Nyatama’s imminent arrival is expected to complete the trio tasked with building on last season’s success.
During his playing days, Nyatama established himself as one of the PSL’s most accomplished midfielders, representing clubs including Bloemfontein Celtic, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, Highlands Park, and Moroka Swallows, whilst also earning senior Bafana Bafana honours.
Although Durban City are yet to officially announce his appointment, Nyatama’s arrival in Durban is the clearest indication yet that the deal is nearing completion, with the club expected to unveil its full technical team before pre-season preparations intensify.
