Ertugral urges Kaizer Chiefs to be realistic

AS Kaizer Chiefs prepare for their maiden appearance in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, a coach who previously led them to continental glory advises Amakhosi not to set overly lofty expectations.

- MATSHELANE MAMABOLO

Few know better than Muhsin Ertugral the pressure that comes with being at the country’s most glamorous club, the Turk having coached Chiefs on multiple occasions.

“Of course, at Chiefs you are always expected to win things,” Ertugral said. “The history of the club dictates that there is pressure automatically.

“But, for this one, I think everyone needs to be realistic and not look at winning the competition as the ultimate goal. I would say to the management: ‘don't put too much pressure on this young team that is being built.”

Do not misinterpret that to mean the man who won Chiefs their only continental title - the 2001 CAF Cup Winners’ Cup - lacks belief in his former club.

Far from it.

Ertugral is too wily a coach to think anything is impossible in this beautiful game. His point is that, for a club in a rebuilding phase following nearly a decade of underachievement, the Confederation Cup should be used as a platform to consolidate for the future.