×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Beating Ertugral was like arresting my own relative‚ says Chiefs caretaker coach Mabedi

Beating Ertugral was like arresting my own relative‚ says Chiefs caretaker coach Mabedi.
Beating Ertugral was like arresting my own relative‚ says Chiefs caretaker coach Mabedi.
Image: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Beating his former coaching mentor Muhsin Ertugral was a bit like being a policeman going off to arrest a relative‚ said Kaizer Chiefs’ caretaker coach Patrick Mabedi after Saturday’s 2-1 away victory condemned Ajax Cape Town to the end of season promotion relegation play-offs.

“It was a privilege for me to coach against him because I learnt a lot from my coach‚ because this is my coach.

"It was nice to face up against the person I learnt such a lot from from‚” said Mabedi‚ who was Ertugral’s assistant at Mpumalanga Black Aces.

“But unfortunately it came at the wrong time with them in a difficult situation and it is a bit like working in a police station and then you are told to go and arrest your own relative.

"You still have to go and do the job.

“It was not easy.

"I knew that he (Ertugral) would analayise our tactics and he did that and they started well and it was unfortunate a for him because his players did not take their chances.

"Maybe they didn’t respond well.”

Ajax‚ who had to win the game to avoid finishing 15th and go to the play-offs‚ had two good first half chances but fell behind after the interval‚ at a corner‚ only to comeback and equalise.

But then they finally lost to a counter attack goal from man-of-the-match Joseph Molongoane.

The win secured third place for Chiefs in the Absa Premiership and a spot in next season’s African Confederation Cup.

Mabedi’s three-game tenure‚ after replacing Steve Komphela‚ finished with two wins and one defeat.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.