Ertugral issues cautionary note to Chiefs over January spending

As the January transfer window gains momentum, former Kaizer Chiefs mentor Muhsin Ertugral has sent a clear message to sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr tread carefully with mid-season reinforcements.

While arch-rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have already dipped into the market—securing Andre De Jong and Colombian marksman Brayan Leon respectively—Ertugral believes Amakhosi should resist the urge to follow suit.

The Rebuild Dilemma At Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs underwent a radical transformation in the off-season, welcoming 11 new faces to Naturena in a bid to rectify a disappointing ninth-place finish. The influx of talent, which included high-profile names like Khanyisa Mayo and Ethan Chislett, was designed to stabilise the club for the long term.

Ertugral, speaking on the OmniAudioAfrica podcast, argues that adding more personnel now could sabotage the progress of the current group. Drawing from his own experience in the Chiefs’ hot seat, the Turkish-German tactician noted that January signings often do more harm than good to team morale.

According to Ertugral, the psychological impact of mid-season arrivals shouldn’t be underestimated. He suggests that over-activity in the market sends a message of “no confidence” to the players who arrived just months ago.

The former coach emphasized that players need to feel a sense of security to perform, and a revolving door of talent can create an atmosphere of uncertainty. He urged Kaizer Junior to prioritize the “nice feeling” within the existing squad over the lure of new names.

Despite Ertugral’s warnings, the rumor mill continues to link the Glamour Boys with high-caliber talent, most notably Bafana Bafana midfield anchor Sphephelo Sithole.

With the window set to slam shut on January 31, the Chiefs management faces a difficult balancing act: do they back their massive winter investment, or do they risk disrupting the dressing room to chase the pace set by Pirates and Sundowns?