Khalil Ben Youssef, former coach of Kaizer Chiefs and representative of Isithombe, has been appointed as the head coach of Durban City. He is preparing to debut in the CAF tournament, where he faces a challenging task—a match against the current league champions, Orlando Pirates, in the MTN8 next month.
Ben Youssef begins the season with Durban after the team finished eighth in its first season in the Betway Premiership. This debut season started under the guidance of experienced coach Gavin Hunt, with Pitso Dladla as his assistant.
Despite securing a spot in the top eight bringing the team the heavy burden of facing the titled Orlando Pirates in the cup opener, Ben Youssef and Durban City hope that the Buccaneers do not possess the sharpness that characterized their previous campaign, given current transfer rumors.
Previously, while working as an assistant coach at Kaizer Chiefs, the Tunisian tactician faced Pirates in the Soweto Derby, which ended in a frustrating draw after a previous match where a painful 3-0 victory was secured.
Now Ben Youssef leads the new, motivated Durban City team, which carries significant pressure. They previously met at Orlando Stadium late last season when Dladla was in charge. Thanks to luck and strong defensive discipline, Durban managed to draw 0-0 with Pirates, thus delaying the Buccaneers' championship celebration.
Although Dladla led the club to historic glory in the Nedbank Cup, he lacks experience in the top league and the necessary CAF coaching qualifications. The latter are strict requirements for managing the team in the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup.
Club chairman Farook Kadodia previously stated that they would 'cross this bridge when we get there,' in response to Independent Media's questions regarding Dladla's CAF A license. Consequently, Dladla will return to the role of assistant coach, playing an important role in integrating Ben Youssef into the head coach position.
The visitors (Durban City) frustrated the highly motivated home team for all 90 minutes, defending numerically and preventing clear chances. It was a masterclass in rigid organization, which became a hallmark of their debut season in the top division.
This tenacious display by the KwaZulu-Natal side was not well received by the 'Ghost,' who watched his team still win the Premiership trophy a few days later. Pirates now enter this MTN8 match with the determination to start a new season with the first step towards defending their title. In Soweto, where expectations are very high, the Buccaneers know that any result other than a convincing victory will be regarded as an extremely disappointing start.
On the other hand, Durban City has its own high aspirations. Already having experience of success in the Nedbank Cup playoffs, the KZN side firmly believes that another tactical surprise in Orlando could pave the way to winning even more trophies.
The Orlando Pirates club has already undergone an active transfer window, bringing in many new players while simultaneously reducing the squad. Nevertheless, to successfully defend their significant trophy haul—including the Betway Premiership, MTN8, and Carling Knockout Cup—and add new accolades next season, the 'Bucaneers' need reinforcement in their attacking line.
As the domestic football season begins in August, analysts have looked at five prolific forwards that Pirates might target to help the team succeed in the final third of the pitch.
Peter Shalulile is considered the epitome of a modern PSL striker, boasting an incredible tally of 130 goals. He reached this impressive milestone playing for only two South African clubs: Highlands Park and Mamelodi Sundowns. Although he recently left 'Sundowns' due to limited playing time last season, he remains one of the league's most effective forwards. His ability to hold position, retain possession, intelligent runs, and lethal finishing make him an immediate asset for any title contender.
Cassius Mailula is currently on a journey of self-discovery and redemption. His career faced a major hurdle last season during a loan spell at Belgian club K.V. Kortrijk from MLS Toronto FC, where he lacked regular playing time. Now, as a free agent following a mutual contract termination with 'Toronto', Mailula is seeking a new challenge. Pirates could be the ideal destination, as the 'Bucaneers' would significantly benefit from his subtle bursts, sharp attacking build-up, smart passing, and flawless positioning that made him known in Chloorkop.
The stocky forward demonstrated a brilliant individual campaign at Golden Arrows, leading the team's attack by scoring 14 goals and winning the Betway Premiership Golden Boot. Dion's clinical finishing allowed him to surpass Iqraam Reiners of 'Mamelodi Sundowns' by two goals to secure this prestigious individual award. Dion mastered the role of a classic centre-forward, moving excellently into the right zones inside the penalty area, looking for danger, and attacking crosses or through balls—a deadly contribution that confidently secured 'Arrows' a spot in the top six.
At just 21 years old, Phili possesses enormous potential. He has already shown exceptional maturity and the ability to perform in crucial matches, becoming the top scorer for Stellenbosch FC, netting nine goals across all competitions last season. With proper support and exposure to a highly competitive arena like Pirates, this young player could truly flourish. He already possesses explosive speed, nimble feet, technical skill, and an innate understanding of how to find space in the final third.
Lucas Ribeiro officially returned to the market as a free agent after leaving Spanish club LaLiga 2 Cultural Leonesa. Although his previous contractual disputes in South Africa attracted attention, his on-field talent remains undeniable. Ribeiro is not a traditional number nine striker, but he excels when playing as a wide false nine. He is full of cunning, possesses great skill, and knows exactly when to use space or drop deeper to link up play. Having previously dominated the scoring charts in South Africa, a move to 'Si Ribbers' could provide momentum for both parties.
A new, vibrant, and bold production of Gilbert and Sullivan's Victorian comic opera 'Pirates of Penzance' is preparing for its premiere at Artscape this winter. This ambitious version will run for a strictly limited period from July 4 to July 12, 2026.
The G&S presentation promises audiences an exciting burst of theatrical energy, combining a massive cast of over 60 actors and dancers with the rarity of a live full orchestra. In an era when large live ensembles are disappearing from world musical and comic opera theatres, the public will have a rare opportunity to hear Arthur Sullivan's brilliant score in its complete, unadulterated splendor.
The live accompaniment will be provided by the newly formed Cape Town Sinfonietta—a magnificent orchestra of 26 musicians whose participation guarantees musical perfection alongside the visual spectacle. The production, first presented in 1879, remains one of the most popular and captivating works in the theatrical canon, known for its sharp humour, dynamic narrative, and sea adventures.
This new interpretation, directed by Darryl J. Spijkers with meticulous musical direction by Alastair Cockburn, retains its original Victorian atmosphere and charm. Because the performance is entirely in English, filled with humour and significantly shorter than many traditional operas, it is ideally suited for introducing the genre to families, younger audiences, and those attending the opera for the first time.
Both connoisseurs and newcomers will find much to enjoy in the rich palette of colourful characters, live scenography, and energetic finales. The show features instantly recognizable hits, including the famous patter song from the number 'I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General,' which harmonizes beautifully with majestic romantic duets and witty comic ensembles. This impressive blend of laughter, romance, and musical mastery will be shown only eight times, including three matinee performances. Given the scale of the production and the rare chance to hear a full orchestra in the theatre, booking tickets in advance is strongly recommended, as this promises to be the highlight cultural event of the winter season.
