The appointment of Muhsin Ertugral as the head coach of Cape Town City has sparked various reactions within the club, especially from captain Thami Mkhize.
Mkhize and Ertugral have a complex history dating back to their time at Golden Arrows, which prompted the former Bafana Bafana defender to make a move to Maritzburg United (now called Durban City) in 2013.
During the 2016/17 season, as Mkhize was on the verge of securing a coveted transfer to Orlando Pirates, it was reported that Ertugral, who was the coach of Pirates at that time, intervened at the last minute, leading Mkhize to train at Virgin Active instead of with the team.
After the failed transfer to Pirates, Mkhize started training with Cape Town City, where he caught the eye of former coach Eric Tinkler, who subsequently signed him.
This transfer occurred after City chairman John Comitis obtained the status of Mpumalanga Aces, with the team finishing in the top eight of the 2015/16 season under Ertugral’s guidance.
Lebogang Manyama, who is currently serving as the assistant coach at the club, previously played for Aces before joining City.
Mkhize and Thabo Nodada are the longest-serving players at City, although Nodada is the only player remaining from the Aces and City squad that commenced in the 2016/17 season.
Notably, Nodada made his PSL debut under Ertugral at Black Aces, netting two goals in 20 appearances, and he fully understands the Turkish coach’s unpredictable nature during matches.
Ertugral was appointed on Thursday following Tinkler’s exit on December 31, establishing a solid rapport with chairman Comitis from their shared history at Cape Town Spurs.
“I see this as a new beginning with a different coach,” Mkhize remarked.
“We had our first training session with our new coach on Friday, and the players were noticeably excited because we all recognize this as a significant opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities as the new coach gets to know the team.”
“Even though he has worked with some of us in the past, it doesn’t guarantee anyone a spot in the team. Therefore, we need to elevate our performance, particularly since we are in a difficult position. Our focus must be on securing points and improving our ranking.”
Ertugral’s debut match will be against his former club Chiefs at DHL Stadium on Sunday (17:45). Currently, City holds the 12th position in the Betway Premiership table with 11 points from 10 matches, having achieved only three victories.
Ertugral had significant accomplishments with Chiefs, including winning the Bob Save Super Bowl in 2000 and the CAF Confederation Cup, BP Top 8, and Coca-Cola Cup in 2001. In his second tenure, he claimed the Telkom Knockout in the 2007/08 season and the MTN8 in the 2008/09 season. He also earned the PSL Coach of the Season award during the 2006/07 campaign while coaching Cape Town Spurs.
“Matches against Chiefs are always challenging for us,” Mkhize stated, having made 257 appearances for City and scoring nine goals.
“However, since we’re playing at home and aiming to improve from our current 12th position to a more respectable one, I am genuinely looking forward to this match. I believe my teammates share the same enthusiasm, and we will execute the strategies that the coach has outlined. I’m hoping for a victory on Sunday.”
