Fortune Makaringe reckons that coach Muhsin Ertugral has brought a “different voice” at Cape Town City. Hence, every player wants to raise their hand.
Ertugral has brought a breath of fresh air to City since taking over the reins from Eric Tinkler, who was sacked on New Year’s Eve.
The Türkiye-born coach won his first two games, beating former clubs and Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at Cape Town Stadium respectively.
However, he came unstuck in his third match in charge as they lost 1-0 to Marumo Gallants last Saturday at Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein.
And while that loss was a blemish on Ertugral’s start, he seems to already have the players eating out from the palm of his hand, despite being in charge for a few days.
The 65-year-old coach, speaking after his back-to-back wins, said it was important to get the camaraderie between the players back before focusing on tactics.
Ertugral has until the end of the season to fully turn the club’s fortunes around, and ensure they finish in the top five yet again.
He has signed as the head coach until the end of the season, and will then hand over the reins to his successor before fully focusing on his role as the technical director of the club.
Makaringe, speaking on the sidelines of the Nedbank Cup last-32 draw – where they will face Sekhukhune United – reflected on the impact Ertugral has had on the team since his arrival.
“Coach Muhsin has come in with his expertise and experience,” said the 32-year-old Vosloorus-born footballer ahead of City’s Premiership clash with Richards Bay at Athlone Stadium tonight (7.30pm kick-off).
“It was important for us to hear a different voice – sometimes that’s all you need. Coach Tinkler also did well with the team, but a new voice was all that was needed.
“When a new coach comes in, everyone wants to raise their hands to show what they can offer, and that has been the case at our club too.
“Everyone wants to prove to the coach they can do the job for the team. There’s a new lease of life (now).”
Ertugral’s arrival has revived some careers. Darwin Gonzalez was behind the onslaught of Chiefs and Pirates, scoring the solo winning goals in both matches.
That was incredibly the Venezuelan’s only goals in the league this season, given that he had endured an eight-game drought under Tinkler.
Thabo Nodada is also looking like his old self on the pitch under Ertugral since coming back from a long-term injury, which occurred towards the end of the last campaign.
Makaringe, one of the players who arrived during the winter transfer window to bolster the squad, said there’s healthy competition in the team.
“There’s quality players,” he said. “The competition is healthy.
“There’s a new lease of life. I think everyone wants to lift their hands and show they can play for the team. I am loving it!”
It might, however, take a while before Makaringe is available for selection as he’s still working his way back to full fitness after sustaining an ankle injury late last year.
The former Orlando Pirates midfielder, though, is happy with the progress that he’s making in his recovery, and how he’s been taking care of himself.
“I have been out for some time, but I am making good steps regarding my progress. I am healing quicker than I thought,” Makaringe said.
“I believe that I am still a young and healthy footballer who’s trying by all means to take care of himself.”
Meanwhile, Ertugral will hope that his troops can be able to bounce to winning ways and show the same zeal of his first two games when they host Richards Bay tonight. | Independent Media Sport