Ben Youssef encouraged despite opening defeat

City matched their opponents for long periods, but Bright Ndlovu’s well-taken strike into the far corner proved enough to hand Babina Noko all three points. 

Ben Youssef says his side showed greater intent after the break, created several promising chances and feels the performance deserved at least a goal, even if the result did not.

"It's not the result we were expecting before the game because we spoke to the players a lot about the importance of the first game, but I'm still happy with the performance of my players. We started the first half very slowly, and then with the substitutions in the second half we started to play better and create chances. I know the result is not good but I'm still proud of my players."

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Ben Youssef introduced experienced playmaker Gastón Sirino for his Durban City debut, with captain Thabo Nodada making way. The former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder was one of several new faces to feature as City searched for an equaliser. 

Explaining the decision, Ben Youssef says Sirino missed a significant part of pre-season through injury, so the club is carefully managing his return to full fitness. 

He also outlined the thinking behind handing Tashreeq Morris his first competitive appearance for the club.

"Sirino is coming back from injury seeing that he only returned to train ing this week so he is not yet able to play 90 minutes so we reserve him for the second half. As for Morris I think he was a bit unlucky not to score."

While pleased with his team’s overall display, Ben Youssef admits Durban City still need to become more clinical in attack. He says the club continues to assess the transfer market and remains hopeful of strengthening its options in the final third with players capable of adding goals and improving the team’s cutting edge.

Durban City’s attention now turns to knockout football as they travel to the Orlando Amstel Arena where they will face Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 quarterfinals.