Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Muhsin Ertugral has penned a heartfelt note, expressing his disappointment at former coaches who have laid bare the club management’s alleged interference.
Ertugral was responding to reports of Stuart Baxter, who has been quoted in the media as saying Chiefs management interfered in his work during his second spell with the club between 2021 and 2022.
Baxter said, “If Kaizer Chiefs want to learn anything from the whole Baxter saga, the first time the roles were clear. The coach was allowed to do his job. We had a clear identity, and it was a successful period. The second time, roles were blurred, egos were involved, and it’s likely been the same story since.
“I came in the second time and it was very unclear. I was getting told which players to buy, who to select, and even how to set up tactically. It was as if I was expected to follow a script written by others. That atmosphere was entirely different from the first time, and it made it impossible to build a winning culture.”
Ertugral, in response, has leapt to the defence of the club, insisting there was no need for Baxter to run his mouth in the media. Ertugral did not specifically call out Baxter’s name, but just in response to what is in the public domain.
“Today I am writing not as someone who once served Kaizer Chiefs, but as someone who carries deep respect for what this club represents,” said Ertugral, who was in charge of Chiefs from 1999 – 2003, and again from 2007 – 2009.
“It’s a club that gave many of us the opportunity and the platform to grow in our profession. That is why I must say I am disappointed. Not because the difficult truth should never be spoken. I think sometimes it has to be. For me, timing also shows character,” he continued.
“Kaizer Chiefs is going through a very difficult period. Confidence is very fragile at the moment; the results are painful, and the frustration of supporters is boiling over. When a club is hurting like this, when emotions are running high, I struggle to understand the value of former coaches years later in pointing fingers.
“Kaizer Chiefs is not just a football team. For millions, it represents memories, pride, and identity. The real challenges are not the noise outside. The real challenge is the structure inside.
“What is the club’s identity? Who carries the technical responsibility and accountability? For me, a key pillar is the recruitment aligned with a clear playing model.
“And the academy is connected to the first team? Great clubs are not monsters. They are mirrors!!! They reflect clarity, or the confusion from people they are responsible for guiding the process,” stated Ertugral.
“I think, and that’s my own opinion, when a club is already hurt, former coaches should be careful not to make themselves the story. The club must remain the story. Kaizer Chiefs does not need more noise. It needs structure, needs humility, and needs togetherness.
“Supporters have always played an important role, especially, I know that from the chairman (Kaizer Motaung Senior), how much he cares. The club has always taken strength from loyalty and passion from its fans. Maybe now more than ever, it needs supporters to stand behind the badge, even when the road is very difficult. I don’t think you can rebuild through anger, but through unity, patience, and belief, and obviously with the right criticism.”
Chiefs are set to go this season without a trophy. They are currently fifth on the table and 15 points behind the leaders, Orlando Pirates.
