Muhsin Ertugra
By Sello Masilo
Cape Town City has announced the immediate departure of interim coach Muhsin Ertugral following a disappointing run of 10 games without a win. Ertugral, who was set to transition into the role of technical director at the end of the season, has mutually agreed with the club to part ways. In a statement on X, the club said: “After technical discussions, the club and Muhsin Ertugral have agreed mutually to part ways. The decision comes as a collective in the best interest of the club as we look to end the 24/25 season as strong as possible. We thank Muhsin for his professional and earnest contribution.”
Introduction: A Sudden End to Ertugral’s Tenure
Cape Town City Football Club, a prominent name in South African football, has made headlines with the unexpected departure of their interim head coach, Muhsin Ertugral. The decision, announced on 17 March 2025, comes after a torrid run of form that saw the Citizens fail to secure a single victory in their last 10 Betway Premiership matches. This move marks the end of Ertugral’s short stint with the club, which began in January 2025 following the sacking of long-serving coach Eric Tinkler.
Ertugral’s appointment was initially met with optimism, given his extensive experience and reputation in South African football. The original plan was for him to steer the team through the 2024/25 season as interim coach before taking up the technical director position in the off-season. However, the team’s dismal performance has forced a rethink, with both the club and Ertugral agreeing that a parting of ways is the best course of action.
Ertugral’s Appointment: A New Chapter Begins
Muhsin Ertugral joined Cape Town City in early January 2025, stepping into a dual role as technical director and interim head coach. His appointment came on the heels of Eric Tinkler’s departure, who was sacked after a 1-0 loss to AmaZulu on 2 January 2025. At the time, the Citizens were struggling in 12th place on the Betway Premiership log, with just 11 points from their opening 10 matches—a stark contrast to their previous seasons under Tinkler, who had guided them to consistent mid-table finishes and cup runs.
The club turned to Ertugral to bring stability and experience to a squad that had lost its way. According to iDiski Times, his mandate was clear: steady the ship until the end of the season while laying the groundwork for a long-term vision as technical director. This dual role was a strategic move by Cape Town City chairman John Comitis, who saw Ertugral’s vast experience as a way to bridge the gap between immediate needs and future ambitions.
Ertugral wasted no time in making his mark. His first two matches in charge delivered stunning victories—1-0 wins over Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, two of South Africa’s footballing giants. These results sparked hope among fans that the Turkish-born coach could turn the team’s fortunes around. However, as we’ll explore later, this early promise quickly faded, leading to the situation we see today.
A Legendary Figure in South African Football
To understand the significance of Ertugral’s appointment—and his departure—it’s worth looking at his storied career. Muhsin Ertugral is a household name in South African football, having coached some of the country’s biggest clubs over the past two decades. Born in Ankara, Turkey, he first arrived in South Africa in 1999 and quickly made an impact.
Ertugral’s Coaching Highlights
• Kaizer Chiefs (1999–2003, 2007–2009): Ertugral enjoyed two stints with the Glamour Boys, winning the PSL title in 2004/05 and several cup competitions, including the Coca-Cola Cup and Telkom Knockout. His tactical approach and ability to manage big personalities earned him widespread respect.
• Orlando Pirates (2009–2010): Though brief, his time with Pirates showcased his knack for delivering results under pressure, guiding the team to a strong league finish.
• Ajax Cape Town (2013–2016): Ertugral’s spell with the Urban Warriors highlighted his focus on youth development, nurturing talents who later became stars in the PSL.After leaving South Africa in 2019, Ertugral served as a technical advisor for the Turkish national team, adding an international dimension to his resume. His return to the PSL in 2025 was hailed as a homecoming for a coach who understands the local game inside out. As Soccer Laduma noted, “Ertugral’s experience is unmatched, and his appointment signals Cape Town City’s intent to compete at the highest level.”
Yet, despite this pedigree, his latest chapter with Cape Town City has ended in disappointment—a reminder that even the best coaches can struggle when results don’t follow.
Performance Under Ertugral: From Highs to Lows
Ertugral’s tenure at Cape Town City can be split into two distinct phases: an encouraging start followed by a steep decline. Let’s break it down.
The Early Promise
Ertugral’s first match in charge was a 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs on 7 January 2025 at Athlone Stadium. A late goal from striker Khanyisa Mayo sealed the win, with the team’s disciplined defending earning praise from pundits. IOL described it as a “smash and grab” victory, highlighting Ertugral’s ability to outsmart his former club.
Four days later, Cape Town City stunned Orlando Pirates with another 1-0 win, this time courtesy of a header from defender Keanu Cupido. These back-to-back victories against the Soweto giants lifted the team to 10th on the log and ignited hopes of a revival. Fans took to social media with comments like, “Ertugral’s still got it!” and “This is the City we know!”
The Winless Streak
Unfortunately, the good times didn’t last. What followed was a 10-game winless streak that saw Cape Town City plummet down the table. Here’s a snapshot of their results during this period, based on reports from Goal.com and SuperSport:
1. Cape Town City 0-1 Stellenbosch FC (15 Jan 2025): A defensive error gifted Stellenbosch the win.
2. Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 Cape Town City (22 Jan 2025): The league leaders exposed City’s frailties.
3. Cape Town City 1-1 Sekhukhune United (29 Jan 2025): A late equalizer denied them victory.
4. Royal AM 2-1 Cape Town City (5 Feb 2025): Defensive lapses cost them dearly.
5. Cape Town City 0-0 Polokwane City (12 Feb 2025): A goalless draw highlighted their attacking struggles.
6. TS Galaxy 2-0 Cape Town City (19 Feb 2025): Another shutout in Nelspruit.
7. Cape Town City 1-1 TS Galaxy (26 Feb 2025): A frustrating draw at home.
8. Chippa United 2-0 Cape Town City (5 Mar 2025): A lifeless performance in Cape Town.
9. Cape Town City 0-1 Richards Bay (12 Mar 2025): A narrow loss to a relegation rival.
10. Magesi FC 1-0 Cape Town City (16 Mar 2025): The final straw in a dismal run.During this streak, Cape Town City scored just four goals while conceding 14—a stark illustration of their problems at both ends of the pitch. Their attacking play lacked creativity, with key forwards like Mayo and Ashley Cupido struggling to find the net. Defensively, the team was leaky, often undone by set pieces and individual errors.
Ertugral himself acknowledged these issues. After the 2-0 loss to Chippa United, he told reporters, “We’re going through a crisis of confidence. We’re not scoring, and it’s killing us.” Despite his efforts to tweak formations—switching between a 4-3-3 and a 4-2-3-1—the results didn’t improve, and the pressure mounted.
By mid-March, the Citizens had slipped to 13th on the log with 17 points from 20 matches, just five points above the relegation zone. With 10 games left in the season, the club’s leadership decided that a change was needed to avoid a disastrous finish.
The Decision to Part Ways: A Mutual Agreement
On 17 March 2025, Cape Town City released their official statement on X: “After technical discussions, the club and Muhsin Ertugral have agreed mutually to part ways. The decision comes as a collective in the best interest of the club as we look to end the 24/25 season as strong as possible. We thank Muhsin for his professional and earnest contribution.”
The use of “mutual agreement” suggests that both sides recognized the need for a fresh start. For the club, the priority was clear: halt the slide and secure their PSL status. For Ertugral, stepping away allowed him to preserve his reputation rather than risk further damage from a relegation battle.
Sources close to the club, as reported by The Citizen, indicate that the decision followed a series of meetings between Ertugral, Comitis, and the technical staff. The 10-game winless streak was the tipping point, but underlying issues—such as player morale and a lack of cohesion—also played a role. The club’s statement reflects gratitude for Ertugral’s efforts, acknowledging his professionalism during a challenging period.
Ertugral has not yet spoken publicly about his exit, though insiders say he accepted the decision with grace. His departure means he won’t take up the technical director role as planned, leaving Cape Town City to reassess their long-term strategy.
Reactions: Fans, Players, and Pundits Weigh In
The news of Ertugral’s departure sent shockwaves through the South African football community. Here’s how various stakeholders reacted:
Fans on Social Media
Cape Town City supporters expressed a mix of disappointment and relief on platforms like X. One fan wrote, “Sad to see Muhsin go, but we can’t keep losing like this. Time for a shake-up.” Another added, “Two months isn’t enough time to judge him, but results don’t lie.”
The hashtag #ThankYouMuhsin trended briefly, with fans paying tribute to his early wins and past contributions to the game. However, some questioned the timing, with one user posting, “Why sack him now? Season’s almost done!”
Players’ Perspective
While no official statements have come from the squad, reports suggest that the dressing room had grown tense in recent weeks. Young midfielder Thato Mokeke, who debuted under Ertugral, reportedly praised his coach’s guidance but admitted the team had lost its spark. Veteran defender Thamsanqa Mkhize, speaking to KickOff earlier in the season, had backed Ertugral, saying, “He’s a top coach who knows how to win.”
Expert Opinions
Football analysts offered varied takes. Former Bafana Bafana star Reneilwe Letsholonyane told Central News, “Ertugral’s a quality coach, but sometimes the fit isn’t right. City needs results now, not next season.” Meanwhile, Soccer Laduma columnist Sello Maphosa argued, “This feels hasty. He needed more time to fix Tinkler’s mess.”
The consensus? While Ertugral’s exit was inevitable given the results, the timing and manner of his departure have left room for debate.
What’s Next for Cape Town City?
With Ertugral gone, Cape Town City faces a critical juncture. The immediate task is to appoint a new coach to lead the team through the final 10 games of the season. Here’s what we know about their plans:
Interim Options
The club may turn to assistant coaches Diogo Peral and Lebogang Manyama to take charge temporarily. Peral, a Portuguese tactician, has worked closely with Ertugral and knows the squad well, while Manyama, a former City star, brings local insight and player respect. This duo could provide continuity while the club searches for a permanent solution.
Permanent Candidates
Cape Town City was already in the process of identifying a new head coach for the 2025/26 season, as per their original plan with Ertugral. Names like Andries Ulderink, a Dutch coach with ties to Ajax Cape Town, and local favourite Benni McCarthy have surfaced in speculation. McCarthy, currently a free agent after leaving Manchester United’s coaching staff, could be a marquee appointment to lift spirits.
Upcoming Fixtures
The Citizens’ next matches will test their resolve:
• vs. Golden Arrows (23 Mar 2025): A winnable home game to build confidence.
• vs. SuperSport United (30 Mar 2025): A tough test against a top-half side.
• vs. Marumo Gallants (6 Apr 2025): Another chance for points against a struggling team.With five home games remaining, Cape Town City has a chance to capitalize on their passionate Athlone Stadium crowd and climb the table.
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