Former Kaizer Chiefs head coach Muhsin Ertugral has explained why the integration of some new players takes time at the Soweto giants.
The Soweto giants made 11 signings for this season, but three of the acquisitions are yet to make their debut three months into the 2025/26 season. Midfielder Ethan Chislett and left-back Nkanyiso Shinga were signed in July and were part of the group in the Netherlands for pre-season camp.
But they are yet to taste competitive football while in Chiefs colours. Another new arrival, Luke Baartman, had his eligibility to feature for Amakhosi delayed by a boardroom matter. But a few weeks after being cleared to play, he spends some of his time with the club’s reserve side.
Also, other players like Etiosa Ighodaro, Lebohang Maboe and Asanele Velebayi did not immediately make their maiden official appearances for Chiefs, owing to fitness and administrative issues.
Ertugral stresses the club’s strategic integration of new acquisitions and states different reasons why they take time to blend in.
UNDERSTANDING CHIEFS’ IDENTITY: ALIGNMENT OVER FORM
“I think the solution is never just about fitness, technically or current form. I would say it’s about alignment. I would first look into the element to help them understand the club’s football identity which, at present, is a challenge with coaching changes,” Ertugral told FARPost
“I would say the playing principles, tempo and transitions that obviously form the team’s DNA. Previously, we looked into the young players like Jabu [Mahlangu], Nhlanhla [Kubheka] or even Itu [Khune] later on.
“But equally significant is the psychological part of it. How they fit into the dressing room culture, which at Chiefs is very intimidating. Important is how they communicate, and how their day-to-day rhythm syncs with that in the camp.”
‘ADJUSTMENT AT CHIEFS DEMANDS STRATEGY’
However, the likes of Flavio da Silva and Khanyisa Mayo scored on their debuts, although they are yet to mark themselves as consistent performers.
“There are some players who adjust very quickly and some will require months. When a coach holds a player back, it’s not usually punishment, it’s a necessity,” the Turk went on.
“Because, when you’re going into a system too fast and not fully understanding it, you risk losing confidence. You can disrupt the flow of everyone collectively and that is a big risk for me.
“At a club like Chiefs, there is extremely high pressure and expectations. The adjustment demands strategy, clarity and emotional intelligence. Integration and stability in their Performance will come naturally when that clicks.”
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