Khalil Talks Sirino, Morris & Shandu Signin…

Gaston Sirino has joined Durban City after leaving Kaizer Chiefs. Image: Gallo Images

Durban City coach Khalil Ben Youssef has revealed that he had the CAF Confederation Cup in mind when bringing in Gaston Sirino, Tashreeq Morris and Bandile Shandu as new signings this season.

Sirino and Morris are familiar faces for Youssef, having worked with the players during his time as assistant and then co-coach at Kaizer Chiefs. This is an advantage for the coach because he knows the players well and they know what he expects, which should make it easier for them to adapt to life at their new club.

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Shandu, meanwhile, is no stranger to City and is not expected to struggle with settling in. Shandu was at the club when it was still known as Maritzburg United. He is experienced and will add value both locally and on the continent. 

City are set to compete in the Confederation Cup after winning the Nedbank Cup last season, making a debut on the continent. Youssef feels that the three players will give them the right experience to navigate the big challenge of playing locally and on the continent.

“The idea to bring in Sirino, Tashreeq and Shandu…when we spoke with the chairman, we decided that we need some experienced players because we feel like last season there are some games we failed to win because lack of experience. Remember, the team is representing South Africa in the Confederation Cup. To represent the country well, you need some experience in there,” Youssef said to media during the Betway Premiership launch earlier this week.

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“Let me 90 percent of the team they don’t know this Confederation Cup, so we need at least two or three players that have been in these kinds of competitions. They will help the coach and technical staff to manage those games.”

City start their Premiership campaign with a clash against Sekhukhune United at Seshego Stadium this afternoon.

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