Ertugral, who has managed both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs during a lengthy career in South African football, believes Mamelodi Sundowns will return from Rabat as CAF Champions League winners and that Orlando Pirates will end a 14-year wait for the Betway Premiership title on the final day of the season.
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Sundowns head to Morocco on Sunday carrying a 1-0 advantage from the first leg at Loftus Versfeld, where Aubrey Modiba’s stunning 37th-minute free kick separated the two sides. Ertugral watched the match closely and feels Sundowns were unfortunate not to extend their lead given the chances they created.
“They were really very unlucky. But to win the final of the Champions League – that’s not easy. It’s a very difficult battle, and I think they’re going to make it,” he told SportsBoom.co.za.
He also offered a word of caution about what awaits in Rabat. “With North African teams, we notice sometimes what they do when they’re leading – it’s very difficult to get a goal against them. But Sundowns have a strong team and this is a big chance for them. I’m very much sure that Sundowns will be crowned champions and get the second star.”
On Pirates, Ertugral acknowledged that Saturday’s goalless draw against Durban City was a missed opportunity but backed the Buccaneers to get the job done against 15th-placed Orbit College at Mbombela Stadium this weekend.
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“These are not easy tasks. From the outside it can look much easier than when you’re on the field. The boys are under pressure to deliver. But success doesn’t come by luck – the entire season this team has performed very well. In the last week of the league, they should win it.”
He did flag a tactical concern. “They are a very quick transition team that can punish you on the wings one-on-one. But when teams sit back, that’s where the problem starts. I think in the end they are going to make it.”
Ertugral also reserved praise for Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
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“The way the team played this season was exciting. You could see from the coach who came in – he changed the playing pattern. They have a fantastic technical squad who know exactly what to do. The boys will be fired up.”
The Pirates vs Orbit College fixture kicks off at 15:00 SAST on Saturday. Sundowns face AS FAR in Rabat on Sunday at 21:00 SAST.
Photo: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images
