Muhsin Ertugral: Ex-Chiefs coach explains why Sundowns deserve more credit

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Muhsin Ertugral: Ex-Chiefs coach explains why Sundowns deserve more credit
Mamelodi Sundowns celebrate CAF Champions League glory. Photo: CAF

Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Muhsin Ertugral is in awe of Mamelodi Sundowns following their CAF Champions League triumph.

Sundowns won their second continental title when they beat Moroccan side AS FAR 2-1 on aggregate, recording 1-0 at home before a 1-1 draw in the return leg, in the final.

It ended a 10-year wait for the Brazilians, who had last won the continental title in 2016, and had endured disappointing quarter-final and semi-final exits as well as losing last season’s final.

Lebo Mothiba, Iqraam Rayners and Thapelo Morena of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrate CAF Champions League glory.
Lebo Mothiba, Iqraam Rayners and Thapelo Morena of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrate CAF Champions League glory. Image: Sundowns

They join the class of clubs with multiple titles and Ertugral has explained why what Sundowns have achieved should be celebrated more.

Muhsin Ertugral in awe of Sundowns

“What Sundowns achieved again is bigger than a title,” the veteran Turkish coach wrote on social media.

“Staying at the top for a decade is difficult in football. The second star is not built easy. To overcome these difficult away games across the continent, uncomfortable moments, really needs smart leadership and players who understand responsibility.

Ertugral is impressed with the championship mentality shown by Sundowns in the competition which remains the most difficult club football prize to win in Africa.

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“Great clubs create something deeper than just tactics. They create culture. This second star is won with a mentality to keep pushing,” he added.

Muhsin Ertugral
Muhsin Ertugral. Image – Cape Town City

“That is the hardest thing in this game, staying at the top when everybody is chasing you. Congratulations to Mamelodi Sundowns. Great Achievement.”

Sundowns’ win saw them secure a ticket to the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup while also sealing a place in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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