Durban City appoint Tinkler as new coach

October 8, 2026 3

Durban City FC have confirmed the appointment of Eric Tinkler, as the club’s new head coach.

Tinkler joins City after recently leaving Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko.

The former Orlando Pirates, Cape Town City, SuperSport United and Sekhukhune United coach replaces Khalil Ben Youssef, who was released by the Durbanites following a poor start to the season.

“I’m excited to be part of what is being built here at Durban City FC,” he 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.”

The move will also reunite Tinkler with chairman, Farook Kadodia, with whom he has a good relationship with from his time at Maritzburg United.

“The chairman is someone I’ve worked with before. When the opportunity presented itself to come back, I grabbed it with both hands,” explained Tinkler.

On his immediate focus, Tinkler said he would build on the foundations laid last season.

“I don’t want to make massive changes because last season the club was successful. It’s about giving others an opportunity and getting back to winning ways. We want to finish in the top eight, go as far as we can in the CAF Confederation Cup, and compete in the Carling Cup and Nedbank Cup. There’s a lot to play for.”

Tinkler’s first game in charge will be against AmaZulu on 13 October.

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— Durban City FC (@DurbanCity_FC) October 8, 2026