‘Soweto Derby result should not force decision’: Ertugral’s strong message to Chiefs

Former Kaizer Chiefs head coach Muhsin Ertugral believes Saturday’s Soweto Derby should not determine Fernando Da Cruz’s future at Amakhosi.

Chiefs take on Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon in the first Soweto Derby of the season.

Coming into the highly anticipated clash under pressure, Da Cruz will be desperate for a victory after successive draws in the Betway Premiership.

Ertugral, though, believes Chiefs should show patience with the French tactician, regardless of the derby result.

“The Soweto Derby is never just another football game. I know what this game means to the fans, to the clubs and everyone involved,” Ertugral told FARPost.

“I must say I have a problem with calling one game a make-or-break situation for the coach. Of course, Fernando is under pressure. At Chiefs, expectations are enormous.

“But after so many changes in the technical part in recent years, the real question for me is: Is the team progressing? Are the players responding to the methods and, even more importantly, is there a clear football identity developing?”

Ertugral explains why Chiefs must be patient with Da Cruz

Having previously coached both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, Ertugral understands the magnitude of the Soweto Derby and the pressure that comes with it.

The Turkish coach admits that winning the derby can transform the atmosphere around a club but insists that one result should not overshadow the bigger picture.

“A derby victory can change the emotions, the mood in and around the team overnight, but it will not automatically solve the problems. As well, one defeat cannot erase the work being done,” he added.

“What is for me a huge concern in today’s game is that we mostly demand long-term development but make decisions based on short-term emotions.”

Nevertheless, Ertugral acknowledges that patience at a club of Chiefs’ stature cannot be unlimited. He believes Da Cruz must demonstrate visible progress through performances and results.

“Coming to Chiefs, coaches have to understand that patience is not unlimited at Chiefs. Progress must become visible in performances and results.

“For me, this derby may influence his future, but it should not be the only factor deciding it; it will be dangerous as well for the club.

“It’s impossible to build a proper project on Monday and abandon it because of what happens on Saturday.”

Ertugral had two stints with Chiefs, winning close to 10 trophies with the Soweto giants.