Historic day for Durban City as Ben Youssef demands goals

Durban City FC, champions of the Nedbank Cup, are set to make history on Sunday when they face Burundian side Rukinzo FC in the first preliminary round leg of the CAF Confederation Cup at Moses Mabhida Stadium. This will be the Citizens' first-ever appearance in continental club competition, marking a significant milestone for the outfit.

Entering the match, Durban City is keen to address a recurring issue that has plagued their domestic campaign – failing to score goals in recent fixtures. Head coach Khalil Ben Youssef, who has extensive African football experience, has made it clear that the team must start converting chances into goals if they are to progress in the competition.

Ben Youssef acknowledged the current predicament following a series of goalless draws, including a recent stalemate against Stellenbosch FC. However, he emphasized that the team's defensive prowess, conceding only twice in five league games, remains intact. The only concern lies in their inability to break the deadlock consistently.

To prepare for the challenge ahead, City's technical team studied Rukinzo FC's recent performances, analyzing three Ligue A matches to understand their playing style. The visitors have been unbeaten domestically, winning their opening match against Panthère Noir FC and drawing twice against Musongati FC and Olympic Star Muyinga FC. This suggests a low-scoring affair, which could put additional pressure on the visitors.

Ben Youssef has crafted two tactical plans to counter Rukinzo's likely defensive approach, should they adopt a low block to protect their lead for the return leg in Burundi. He stressed that the team must be ready for both scenarios, whether Rukinzo plays defensively or presses high.

For most of the squad, this will be their first experience of African inter-club football. Ben Youssef acknowledged that this is a new challenge for 95% of the players, but emphasized the importance of providing them with the confidence and belief to represent their country. He reminded the players that achieving a group stage spot would be a significant boost to their individual resumes and careers.

Captain Brooklyn Poggenpoel echoed his manager's sentiments, stating that the team views this occasion as an exciting challenge rather than an intimidating spectacle. He urged the players to embrace the moment and focus on the football. The camp's positive mood was evident, with players believing that collective success will lead to individual achievements.