Last season Ajax Cape Town beat Mamelodi Sundowns four times under the guidance of Muhsin Ertugral, who also led the young Cape team to an emphatic victory in the Absa Cup, beating none other than Sundowns in the final.
This Saturday Ertugral’s Kaizer Chiefs take on Sundowns in the final of the Telkom Knockout Cup, where Gordon Igesund will be in charge of Sundowns.
Ertugral says there is no battle of wits happening between the two coaches, who have already met twice this year.
”This is not between me and Gordon. It depends on what the players do on the day and who plays to their strengths. I give instructions and if they follow it we can come out on top,” Ertugral stated.
”We have to play to our strengths and one of the things I know is the strengths and weaknesses of Sundown in and out,” he said. ”If we can play to our strengths and exploit their weaknesses I am sure we can win.”
Just two weeks ago Chiefs and Sundowns drew 0-0 in a Premier Soccer League game.
”I can’t use the same tactics that I used at Ajax as I have different players, different characters. And I can’t rely on past results, it’s about today, the game is played now and not in the past.
Ertugral acknowledged the strength of Sundowns midfielders Esrom Nyandoro, Godfrey Sapula and striker Lerato Chabangu.
”They have quality players and we have to respect this team,” Ertugral advised. ”They are league champions and they won the SAA Supa8. So this is a formidable team and it will be a good final. — Sapa