Cape Town City have parted ways with veteran coach Muhsin Ertugral after a poor run of form that has left them fighting relegation.
Ertugral has not won any of his last 10 games, drawing three and losing seven, to leave the Citizens in 13th place on the PSL table with 23 points from as many matches, just two better than SuperSport United, who occupy the relegation-promotion playoff position.
The veteran tactician arrived in January to much fanfare, making a return to the dugout in South Africa for the first time in six years, since his last stint with Maritzburg United in 2019, and started his reign like a house on fire, leading Cape Town City to victories over Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in his first two games.
No wins, no goals for Cape Town City
That brought back belief that the storm was over after the club had gone through a poor run under Eric Tinkler, leading to his sacking, but after that, he lost 1-0 to Marumo Gallants before beating Richards Bay 2-1 on January 17 and that was the end of their winning run.
Since then, City have struggled for results and goals, scoring just three in 10 matches, during a period in which they could not record a victory, forcing the club to act in a bid to save their season.
“After technical discussions, the club and Muhsin Ertugral have agreed mutually to part ways,” Cape Town City said via statement on Monday.
How did it go wrong for the Citizens?
“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 former Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates coach failed to get a tune out of his players after his earlier tactic of staying tight at the back and hitting opponents on the break was contained by rivals.
His departure means Cape Town City will go through a third coaching change this season and the club appears to be paying for their decision to sign over 15 players, who Ertugral still believed lack the quality to compete in the PSL.
Diogo Peral will lead the team until the end of the season, assisted by Lebogang Manyama and Roger De Sa.
