Muhsin Ertugral is not holding his breath for a first-place finish for Mpumalanga Black Aces at the end of this Absa Premiership season.
Despite his side currently leading the league standings after just three matches, Ertugral would rather focus on stabilising the club following a close shave with relegation last term and giving the youth a chance, instead of keeping up with title contenders.
The former Kaizer Chiefs mentor collected the maiden Absa Premiership Coach of the Month award for August yesterday. Ajax Cape Town striker Prince Nxumalo got the player's accolade for his impressive display for the Urban Warriors.
"In my opinion, SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns are favourites to win the league," Ertugral said.
"What is important to me is to resurrect this team. Last season there were 37 players at the club, which was a total disaster because you cannot do anything with a squad that big. I have now reduced it to 23 plus three more and everyone is happy knowing they will get an opportunity to play. That includes the 17- and 18-year-olds."
Aces were also on the brink of selling their Premier Soccer League status to AmaZulu who were relegated at the end of last season.
The owners - brothers Mario and George Morfou - believed they were better off starting afresh in the National First Division even after recruiting a coach with Ertugral's track record. It's early days but still Ertugral said their satisfactory start - two wins and a draw - proved he'd won the psychological battle.
"I always believed that there was no way the PSL board of governors would agree to the sale. So we continued to train because I told the players that we can't build our house on hearsay," the coach said.
"Now they are relaxed and my body language, which people sometimes misunderstand, gave them hope. Everyone will tell you that the aim is to finish in the Top 8, so of course I also want that. But I also want to show that our youngsters are good enough and will grow by playing, not sitting in the stands and being neglected."
Ertugral admitted that he was worried about AmaZayoni sustaining their momentum having had to wait three weeks due to the international break before they face Orlando Pirates on September 18.
"For me the friendly games we have been playing mean nothing, but our work ethic has been impressive. We have played three different styles against Free State Stars, SuperSport and Sundowns. Now we are going to face Pirates, and that is where we get to test ourselves again," Ertugral said.
Realist Ertugral wants stability
Muhsin Ertugral is not holding his breath for a first-place finish for Mpumalanga Black Aces at the end of this Absa Premiership season.
Despite his side currently leading the league standings after just three matches, Ertugral would rather focus on stabilising the club following a close shave with relegation last term and giving the youth a chance, instead of keeping up with title contenders.
The former Kaizer Chiefs mentor collected the maiden Absa Premiership Coach of the Month award for August yesterday. Ajax Cape Town striker Prince Nxumalo got the player's accolade for his impressive display for the Urban Warriors.
"In my opinion, SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns are favourites to win the league," Ertugral said.
"What is important to me is to resurrect this team. Last season there were 37 players at the club, which was a total disaster because you cannot do anything with a squad that big. I have now reduced it to 23 plus three more and everyone is happy knowing they will get an opportunity to play. That includes the 17- and 18-year-olds."
Aces were also on the brink of selling their Premier Soccer League status to AmaZulu who were relegated at the end of last season.
The owners - brothers Mario and George Morfou - believed they were better off starting afresh in the National First Division even after recruiting a coach with Ertugral's track record. It's early days but still Ertugral said their satisfactory start - two wins and a draw - proved he'd won the psychological battle.
"I always believed that there was no way the PSL board of governors would agree to the sale. So we continued to train because I told the players that we can't build our house on hearsay," the coach said.
"Now they are relaxed and my body language, which people sometimes misunderstand, gave them hope. Everyone will tell you that the aim is to finish in the Top 8, so of course I also want that. But I also want to show that our youngsters are good enough and will grow by playing, not sitting in the stands and being neglected."
Ertugral admitted that he was worried about AmaZayoni sustaining their momentum having had to wait three weeks due to the international break before they face Orlando Pirates on September 18.
"For me the friendly games we have been playing mean nothing, but our work ethic has been impressive. We have played three different styles against Free State Stars, SuperSport and Sundowns. Now we are going to face Pirates, and that is where we get to test ourselves again," Ertugral said.
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