Shandu and Ben Youssef eye strong start against Sekhukhune

By Lonwabo Miso
31st July 2026

Defender Bandile Shandu says he received a warm welcome from the technical team and fellow teammates at Durban City following a return to a club where he began his professional career when it was still known as Maritzburg United.

Shandu joined the Citizens after five seasons with Orlando Pirates, bringing valuable top-flight and continental experience as Durban City prepare to compete in the league, domestic cup competitions and the CAF Confederation Cup.

The experienced right-back says he has settled in well ahead of the new Betway Premiership campaign.

"I think we have a great squad and I think the comradery we have is special. We have a brotherhood going and I think that will help us throughout the season. The technical team have also been very welcoming and it feels like I've been here for years.

"My return has been very smooth and I'm grateful for that."

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Shandu featured in Durban City’s Premier’s Cup quarter-final defeat to Richards Bay, with the fixture giving new coach Khalil Ben Youssef another opportunity to assess his squad before the start of the season.

The pre-season programme also allowed several new arrivals to build match fitness and adapt to the team’s playing style as preparations intensified.

"We are beginning to understand the coach's game model very well, and I think despite that defeat we met the objectives during pre-season."

Durban City begin their 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign away to Sekhukhune United at Seshego Stadium, with Shandu insisting the focus remains firmly on his own team’s preparations.

The experienced defender says the squad has embraced Ben Youssef’s ideas during pre-season and believes they are well equipped to deliver a strong performance when the new league season gets underway.

Head coach Khalil Ben Youssef has also expressed confidence ahead of the opening weekend, although he admits supporters should be realistic given the limited time he has had with the squad.

Speaking at the Betway Premiership season launch, the Tunisian mentor stressed that building consistency will take time but says a positive result in the opening fixture would provide the ideal platform for the months ahead.