Durban City coach Khalil Ben Youseff has a two-pronde strategy for Sunday's CAF Confederation Cup clash against visitors Rukinzo FC from Burundi.
When Nedbank Cup champions Durban City FC step out onto the turf at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday afternoon, it will mark a historic high point for the club. Hosting Burundian side Rukinzo FC in the first preliminary round leg of the CAF Confederation Cup, the Citizens are stepping into uncharted territory – making their official debut in inter-club continental competition.
Yet behind the excitement lies a distinct sense of urgency. Durban City enter Sunday’s tie seeking to ignite a spark in front of goal after a slow domestic start. While their defensive framework has stood tall – conceding only twice in five Premiership fixtures – a frustrating pattern of draws, including a goalless stalemate against Stellenbosch FC in midweek, has exposed the lack of a cutting edge.
The highlight of their campaign thus far remains a convincing 2-0 away victory against Kruger United, and head coach Khalil Ben Youssef is acutely aware that continental knockout football leaves no room for missed opportunities.
"The difficult point that we have is that we are failing to score goals in the last few games," Ben Youssef acknowledged at a pre-match media conference at Moses Mabhida on Saturday. "The team is performing very well, but it's not able to score.
