NEW ORLANDO Pirates head coach Muhsin Ertugral thrives on pressure and is relishing meeting former club Kaizer Chiefs in what will be an explosive Soweto derby to start the new season.
The two meet in the Premier Soccer League’s pipe-opener – the annual Carling Black Label Champions Cup, at the FNB Stadium on 30 July.
Ertugral who joined Bucs recently to replace Eric Tinkler, is looking forward to the challenge and the derby.
Said Ertugral: “I’ve been in derbies in Egypt, Tunisia and of course the Soweto derby when I was in charge of Chiefs, so I know what to expect and look forward to it.”
He said he was happy with his new signings but added he would like to sign a striker. Bucs have signed Abbabaker Mobara, Riyaad Norodien, Thabiso Kutumela, Bernard Morrison, Marshall Munetsi, Bernard Morrison, Mthokozisi Dube, Donald Mokontelela and Nkosinathi Mthiyane.
Ertugral said so keen were the players at training that he had to “put the brakes on” during his first week in charge.
When asked what his target was this season the Turkish born mentor replied: “Well, you don’t take the helm of a big club like Pirates just to finish in the top eight.
“There is real quality in this squad and we can do well this season. I’m looking forward to working with the youth at the club. Everyone knows I have a great passion for youth. Also, we have a number of players in the current SA Under-23 squad who will be at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The experience gained will be invaluable.”
Ertugral started work with Pirates last Monday and said he was delighted with the enthusiasm and the way the players had responded to him .
The former MP Black Aces coach is determined to ensure a return to the glory days for Bucs after they ended eighth last season and finished runners-up in both the Caf Confederation Cup and Nedbank Cup.
He is eyeing playing in Africa once again after winning the forerunner of the Confed Cup – the Caf Africa Cup Winners’ Cup – with Amakhosi in 2001.
Ertugral said he had been overwhelmed by the support from the club management.
He will meet with chairman Irvin Khoza this week to finalise more signings and announce players to be released. He will also finalise his assistant.
“Everyone has been guessing. We will unveil the new players within two weeks and announce which players are leaving once I have met with the chairman.”
