Crisis deepens at Cape Town City as Muhsin Ertugral exits after poor run

Cape Town City have confirmed that their interim head coach Muhsin Ertugral has left the club after a difficult run of form.

Ertugral joined the Cape side during the New Year's break following the sacking of Erik Tinkler, and made an encouraging start. After back-to-back wins against Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in his first two games, much was expected from the Citizens.

However, they picked up just one win — against Richards Bay — after that, and have slid so far down the Betway Premiership table that the threat of relegation has become a real possibility for the team that started the season with high hopes.

"After technical discussions, the club and Muhsin Ertugral have agreed mutually to part ways," the club said in a statement posted on their social media channels on Monday afternoon.

"The decision comes as a collective in the best interest of the club as we look to end the 24/25 season as strong as possible.

"We thank Muhsin for his professional and earnest contribution."

Ertugral's stay with Cape Town was always going to be a short one, and he himself confirmed earlier this month that the club had found a new coach to take over the reins permanently.

“We have already decided on the coach, and he has seen the team,” Ertugral said. 

“The plan is to secure things in April, then we can focus on the future. It’s important to build a foundation. The new coach needs time to implement his vision.”

City are currently in 13th place in the Betway Premiership having picked up just 23 points from their 23 games. With Royal AM looking certain to finish the season as the bottom club, Cape Town City will be looking to do their best to avoiding the promotion/relegation play-offs that follow after finishing second from bottom.

Their next assignment in the league is on March 30 against fellow relegation strugglers SuperSport United. 

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