Turkish coach Ertugral's winning return in South Africa
The 65-year-old, who guided eight clubs in the republic before 2020, including Chiefs twice, was named caretaker City coach after the midweek sacking of Eric Tinkler.
Muhsin Ertugral (left) with Cape Town City FC players and supporters after their Betway Premiership victory over Kaizer Chiefs on 5 January 2025. Picture: @CapeTownCityFC/X
JOHANNESBURG - Turkish coach Muhsin Ertugral made a dream return to the South African Premiership on Sunday, masterminding a 1-0 win for struggling Cape Town City over fallen giants Kaizer Chiefs.
The 65-year-old, who guided eight clubs in the republic before 2020, including Chiefs twice, was named caretaker City coach after the midweek sacking of Eric Tinkler.
"City have been playing in patches and we were better tonight," he said after Cape Town won for the fourth time in 11 outings and rose one place to 11th.
"Now we must prepare to tackle Orlando Pirates, who are not only among the best clubs in South Africa, but also one of the strongest in Africa."
Pirates, who played in the CAF Champions League this weekend, will replace Mamelodi Sundowns as Premiership leaders if they win in Cape Town on Wednesday.
City won the match through a 51st-minute goal from Venezuelan Darwin Gonzalez, who completed a run from the halfway line by slamming the ball past goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma.
Johannesburg-based Chiefs have won a record 53 domestic trophies, but none since being crowned 2015 Premiership champions.
Polokwane City, the surprise side this season as they lie third, drew 1-1 at home against Sekhukhune United on a barely playable pitch after torrential rain.