‘It was like arresting a relative’

That was the feeling of beating old colleague Ertugral – Chiefs mentor

BEATING his former coaching mentor Muhsin Ertugral was a bit like being a policeman going off to arrest a relative‚ Kaizer Chiefs caretaker coach Patrick Mabedi said after a 2-1 away victory on Saturday condemned Ajax Cape Town to the end of season promotion relegation playoffs.

“It was nice to face up against the person I learnt such a lot from‚” Mabedi‚ who was Ertugral’s assistant at Mpumalanga Black Aces, said.

“But unfortunately, it came at the wrong time with them in a difficult situation.

“It is a bit like working in a police station and then you are told to go and arrest a relative – you still have to go and do the job. “It was not easy,” he said. “I knew [Ertugral] would analyse our tactics. He did and they started well. It was unfortunate for him because his players did not take their chances. “Maybe they didn’t respond well.” Ajax‚ who had to win the game to avoid finishing 15th and go to the playoffs‚ had two good first-half chances but fell behind after the interval – through a corner – only to come back and equalise.

But they lost to a counter attack goal from man-of-the-match Joseph Molongoane.

The victory secured third place for Chiefs in the Absa Premiership – and a spot in next season’s African Confederation Cup.

Mabedi’s three-game tenure‚ after replacing Steve Komphela‚ finished with two wins and one defeat.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo, 28, has bid a farewell to his Chiefs teammates.

He has struggled to secure a regular place in the Amakhosi starting lineup – with the club preferring to use experienced No 1 Itumeleng Khune in cup and league matches.

The Durban-born goalkeeper‚ who has been linked with archrivals Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City‚ took to his social media account to confirm his Chiefs’ departure.

“Thank you to the Kaizer Chiefs family. It’s been a great six years – I love you all and thank you to the chairman [Kaizer Motaung] for the opportunity‚” Khuzwayo said.

Motaung said: “Not getting younger, he wants to play more games.” – TimesLIVE