We have to be on our toes - Ertugral
We have to be on our toes - Ertugral

Posted in News on Nov 04, 2001.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Muhsin Ertugral praised his players after a sensational Coca-Cola Cup victory against Santos on Sunday, but cautioned that they would have to stay focused to pocket the R2 million prize money.

Chiefs went through to the final with a 4-2 win against the Cape side with Kenny Niemach scoring a brace and other goals coming from Jabu Pule and Jossias Macamo.

The Chiefs mentor paid tribute to youngsters like Pule and Justice Sithole for a marvellous team performance. "I am really proud of these boys," said Ertugral after the match.

But the coach cautioned against over zealousness and lack of concentration as the Phefeni Glamour Boys aim for a clean sweep in the domestic league. "If you look at our game against Ajax, we lost the game simply due to lack of concentration," lamented Ertugral.

"We have to be on our toes and not lose focus as we have crucial matches ahead of us. We cannot afford to make any mistake at this stage," he said.

The coach said he was also worried a number of his players could burn out in the process. "Players like Jabu are very tired. He has been running around a lot and he needs some rest," said the coach, who added he would be introducing other players against Rangers on Wednesday.

Another player who had a superb game is young defender Nhlanhla Kubeka, who is arguably the country's best man-marker. The youngster, who has been likened to former Bafana captain Lucas Radebe, could soon be wearing the Bafana Bafana jersey.

The coach said he was also impressed with the positive spirit in the Amakhosi camp. "It must be our greatest asset," he said. "Everyone is so positive in camp and the support from our management is incredible. The boys know what is expected from them and this makes things easier for me."

Now Amakhosi will await the winner between Jomo Cosmos and Sundowns in the final but Ertugral made choice very clear. "I do not really have options but it would be great to play Sundowns in the final," he said.

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