EXCLUSIVE | Ertugral urges Chiefs to be realistic ahead of maiden CAF Confed Cup group stage

As Kaizer Chiefs prepare for their maiden appearance in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, a coach who previously led them to continental glory advises Amakhosi not to set overly lofty expectations.

Few know better than Muhsin Ertugral the pressure that comes with being at the country’s most glamorous club, the Turk having coached Chiefs on multiple occasions.

“Of course, at Chiefs you are always expected to win things,” Ertugral said. "The history of the club dictates that there is pressure automatically.

"But, for this one, I think everyone needs to be realistic and not look at winning the competition as the ultimate goal. I would say to the management: ‘don’t put too much pressure on this young team that is being built’."

Do not misinterpret that to mean the man who won Chiefs their only continental title — the 2001 CAF Cup Winners’ Cup — lacks belief in his former club.

Far from it.

Ertugral is too wily a coach to think anything is impossible in this beautiful game. His point is that, for a club in a rebuilding phase following nearly a decade of underachievement, the Confederation Cup should be used as a platform to consolidate for the future.

“They have a young team that’s trying to find itself, and playing on the continent will help them gain experience. The young boys can make their own story, which will help them grow over the next few years.”

Ertugral recalls that when he took Chiefs into the Cup Winners’ Cup, they did not set themselves a target.

“We didn’t start the tournament to win it. We just went out there to play and gain experience. There was no pressure, but in the end we were champions.

"What this Chiefs team has come through over the last few years, it would not make sense to now put them under pressure and say ‘win the Confed Cup’. I know the fans of Chiefs always expect big things, but they need to be supportive of this team because they are in a tough group.”

Having coached in Egypt, Ertugral knows just what Amakhosi will face against El Masry and Zamalek.

“El Masry must never be underestimated," said Ertugral.

"At home they are very strong. I played against them many times years ago and, while there have surely been changes since, the club culture remains and they will be tough opponents who can hurt you.

"I know Zamalek have had their own problems lately and perhaps this could be a good time for Chiefs to have a strong game against them. But they are a proud team looking to get back on top after Pyramids took over in Egypt.”

Though Zesco United are generally seen as the group’s underdogs, Ertugral has warned Chiefs against taking the Zambians lightly.

“We know the kind of good players Zambia has always produced for South African clubs, Chiefs in particular, and I don’t expect them to take Zesco for granted. Yes, the Zambian league is not very visible, but Zesco are a stable team and they will not be easy. In any case, there are no easy matches at continental group-stage level.”

For Ertugral, Chiefs are on an upward trajectory after many poor seasons, and he has been impressed by their improvement.

“Lately, I can see the team is a little better defensively. Their defensive structure is much more organised because last year they were just attacking and attacking, and I remember we sucker-punched them and finished them off.

"Now their lines are more closed and they have a stronger structure, which is why they are conceding fewer goals. They should be competitive, but as I said, they must not be too harsh on themselves and place too much expectation.

"Also, they must be aware that in this tournament, it is okay to win a game ugly. It doesn’t always have to be about flair and style, as Sundowns would say,” Ertugral chuckled.

Chiefs are scheduled to play their group opener away to El Masry on Sunday.