The appointment of Muhsin Ertugral as the head coach for Cape Town City has sparked a variety of reactions within the club, particularly from captain Thami Mkhize.

Mkhize and Ertugral have a complex relationship stemming from their time at Golden Arrows, which eventually prompted the former Bafana Bafana defender to transfer to Maritzburg United (now known as Durban City) in 2013.

As Mkhize was nearing a dream move to Orlando Pirates during the 2016/17 season, it was reported that Ertugral, who was in charge at Pirates at the time, intervened last minute, causing Mkhize to train at Virgin Active instead of with the team.

After the unsuccessful attempt to join Pirates, Mkhize trained with Cape Town City, where he attracted the interest of former coach Eric Tinkler, who subsequently signed him.

This acquisition was part of City chairman John Comitis’s takeover of Mpumalanga Aces, with the team notably finishing in the top eight of the 2015/16 season under Ertugral’s leadership.

Lebogang Manyama, currently serving as the club’s assistant coach, previously played for Aces before joining City.

Mkhize and Thabo Nodada stand as the longest-serving players at City; however, Nodada is the only player remaining from the Aces and City squad that commenced in the 2016/17 season.

Notably, Nodada made his PSL debut under Ertugral at Black Aces, scoring two goals in 20 appearances, and he is familiar with the Turkish coach’s unpredictable nature during matches.

Ertugral was appointed on Thursday following coach Tinkler‘s departure on December 31, fostering a solid rapport with chairman Comitis due to their shared past at Cape Town Spurs.

“I see this as a new beginning under a different coach,” Mkhize shared.

“We had our first training session with the new coach on Friday, and the players were visibly enthusiastic because we recognize this as a valuable opportunity to demonstrate our skills as the new coach is still getting to know the team.

“While he has worked with some of us previously, that doesn’t automatically secure a spot on the team. Hence, we must elevate our performance, especially considering our current precarious standing. Our focus needs to be on gathering points and enhancing our position.”

Ertugral’s inaugural match in charge will be against his former club, Chiefs, at DHL Stadium on Sunday (17:45). City is presently positioned 12th on the Betway Premiership table with 11 points from 10 matches, having won only three.

Ertugral has notable achievements with Chiefs, including winning the Bob Save Super Bowl in 2000 and the CAF Confederation Cup, BP Top 8, and Coca-Cola Cup in 2001. In his second tenure, he secured the Telkom Knockout in the 2007/08 season and the MTN8 in the 2008/09 season. He was also honored with the PSL Coach of the Season accolade during the 2006/07 campaign while at Cape Town Spurs.

“Matches against Chiefs are always challenging for us,” Mkhize reflected, having made 257 appearances for City and netting nine goals.

“However, since we are playing at home and aiming to climb from our current 12th position to a more respectable standing, I’m genuinely looking forward to this game. I believe my teammates share this optimism, and we will execute the strategies outlined by the coach. I am hopeful for a win on Sunday.”