Ertugral returns to give Chiefs losing start to 2025
Veteran coach claims scalp of his former team in first game in charge of Cape Town City
05 January 2025 - 21:01
by Neville Khoza
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Veteran coach Muhsin Ertugral marked his return to the local elite league by claiming the scalp of his former team Kaizer Chiefs in his first game in charge at Cape Town City on Sunday.
City beat the struggling visitors from Joburg 1-0 in the Premiership match at Cape Town Stadium.
Darwin Gonzalez scored the match’s only goal in the second half, handing Amakhosi their fourth defeat of the campaign.
Apart from average scoring form, Amakhosi have also struggled to keep things clean at the back. After 11 games, they have managed only one clean sheet, in their 1-0 victory over Chippa United in their last match of 2024. Chiefs thus have zero for goal difference after scoring 14 goals and conceding 14.
The Citizens, who struggled through the first half of the season, were hoping for a change of fortune after appointing Ertugral to replace Eric Tinkler.
The Cape club should feel justified with its bold decision as Ertugral led them to victory in his first match.
Chiefs made a bright start to the game as they looked for an early goal and their approach early on was to press the Citizens higher.
Amakhosi came close to finding the opener earlier in the first half but Mduduzi Shabalala’s close-range shot was saved by Darren Keet at the near post.
The Citizens managed to get a foothold midway through the first half but were guilty of turning possession over.
Jaedin Rhodes and Gonzalez were more effective for the Citizens on the left and right flank but the final effort let them down in the first half.
Despite both teams having had opportunities in the final third, they went into the interval with the match in the balance. Chiefs came back with more energy in the second half as they were looking to break the deadlock, but it was the home side who found the opener through Gonzalez after a great counterattack.
Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi made a tactical switch, taking off Christian Saile after they conceded and bringing on Ranga Chivaviro as they searched for the equaliser, but the substitute failed to make an impact.
Nabi also made three changes late in the second half bringing in Samkelo Zwane, Bradley Cross and Mfundo Vilakazi as they were desperate for the equaliser, but City defended well for their win.
Elsewhere, Polokwane City and Sekhukhune United played to a 1-1 draw at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Ertugral returns to give Chiefs losing start to 2025
Veteran coach claims scalp of his former team in first game in charge of Cape Town City
Veteran coach Muhsin Ertugral marked his return to the local elite league by claiming the scalp of his former team Kaizer Chiefs in his first game in charge at Cape Town City on Sunday.
City beat the struggling visitors from Joburg 1-0 in the Premiership match at Cape Town Stadium.
Darwin Gonzalez scored the match’s only goal in the second half, handing Amakhosi their fourth defeat of the campaign.
Apart from average scoring form, Amakhosi have also struggled to keep things clean at the back. After 11 games, they have managed only one clean sheet, in their 1-0 victory over Chippa United in their last match of 2024. Chiefs thus have zero for goal difference after scoring 14 goals and conceding 14.
The Citizens, who struggled through the first half of the season, were hoping for a change of fortune after appointing Ertugral to replace Eric Tinkler.
The Cape club should feel justified with its bold decision as Ertugral led them to victory in his first match.
Chiefs made a bright start to the game as they looked for an early goal and their approach early on was to press the Citizens higher.
Amakhosi came close to finding the opener earlier in the first half but Mduduzi Shabalala’s close-range shot was saved by Darren Keet at the near post.
The Citizens managed to get a foothold midway through the first half but were guilty of turning possession over.
Jaedin Rhodes and Gonzalez were more effective for the Citizens on the left and right flank but the final effort let them down in the first half.
Despite both teams having had opportunities in the final third, they went into the interval with the match in the balance. Chiefs came back with more energy in the second half as they were looking to break the deadlock, but it was the home side who found the opener through Gonzalez after a great counterattack.
Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi made a tactical switch, taking off Christian Saile after they conceded and bringing on Ranga Chivaviro as they searched for the equaliser, but the substitute failed to make an impact.
Nabi also made three changes late in the second half bringing in Samkelo Zwane, Bradley Cross and Mfundo Vilakazi as they were desperate for the equaliser, but City defended well for their win.
Elsewhere, Polokwane City and Sekhukhune United played to a 1-1 draw at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
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