by
Graeme Jackson
Tuesday Jan 09, 2018. 10:30
New Ajax Cape Town coach Muhsin Ertugral has picked Mamelodi Sundowns as the best team in South Africa and is backing them to win the Absa Premiership title.
Ajax will welcome ‘Downs to the Cape Town Stadium this evening in a bottom-v-top clash: the hosts are placed 15th, just two points from the foot of the table, while the visitors hold a one-point lead at the summit.
“Sundowns is a team that’s far beyond South African football, they won the Champions League and I think they will win the league here as well,” Ertugral is quoted by Kick-Off.
“But they’re not our target. The game after we’re playing a team that’s near the bottom [Platinum Stars], so we need to concentrate on those elements. These are the bonuses [beating Sundowns], rubbing shoulders with the best team in the country.”
Ertugral’s first match in charge of the Urban Warriors was a 2-1 loss at home to Maritzburg United this past weekend and the veteran coach is hoping his players up their game and start playing for the fate of the club.
“The players are playing for Ajax Cape Town, not for me,” he added. “We need to change this way of thinking. These are contracted, professional players. Obviously I am here to motivate them and guide them in the right direction, and they know I’m a pretty fair guy.
“But they know I’m a person who believes we have to work for our living, work for the fans and the club. There’s no time for personal egos. It’s time to work as an orchestra, with every tune organised in synergy.”
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