Middendorp emerges as surprise contender for Durban City job
Ernst Middendorp has reportedly emerged as a potential candidate to take over as Durban City coach following the dismissal of Khalil Ben Youssef.
The Tunisian was shown the door on Saturday after City managed just one win in their opening seven Betway Premiership matches.
Middendorp is already familiar with the club. According to SABC Sport, the former Kaizer Chiefs coach has reportedly continued working with City as a consultant during Ben Youssef’s short reign, providing regular reports to the club’s hierarchy.
The German tactician also has a strong relationship with chairman Farook Kadodia, having worked at the club several times since its Maritzburg United days.
Ben Youssef had signed a one-year deal with an option for two more seasons. He joined City after helping Chiefs finish third alongside Cedric Kaze.
Musa Nyatama, who joined Ben Youssef’s technical team at the start of the 2026/27 campaign, remains at the club.
However, Nyatama does not hold a CAF A Licence, creating another headache for City ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup campaign.
The club need a suitably qualified coach on the bench for their continental matches. City have already reached the group-stage play-offs.
They will only return to Betway Premiership action on October 13 against KwaZulu-Natal rivals AmaZulu.
Despite the break, City’s hierarchy has moved quickly to find Ben Youssef’s replacement.
Last season also saw City go through several coaching changes, with Gavin Hunt, Sinethemba Badela and Pitso Dladla all taking charge.
Dladla ended the campaign with Nedbank Cup glory and a top-eight finish, but was subsequently released.
Now, with Middendorp reportedly in the picture and Nyatama remaining as an assistant figure, City could be heading for another major coaching reset.
