Chiefs coach backs Ajax

Beleaguered Kaizer Chiefs coach Muhsin Ertugral on Wednesday backed Ajax Cape Town to lift the Absa Premiership trophy.

Chiefs and Ajax meet at the Athlone Stadium on Saturday.

Ertugral is facing the sack due to some poor results which recently led to Chiefs chair

person Kaizer Motaung publicly questioning the fiery Turk's team selections and strategies.

A miffed Ertugral said he had put aside all personal issues in favour of getting the Amakhosi's season back on track. He saw the Ajax match as a great opportunity to spark a change in fortunes.

"If you ask me who will win the league championship, I would not hesitate to put my money on Ajax.

"I am proud of those boys. They deserve every success that comes their way," stated the man who had dubbed the youthful Ajax players "my chickens" when, under his astute guidance, they reached two major cup finals, winning one to go with a highly credible top-four finish in last season's league race.

A twist of irony marks the weekend's encounter, with Ertugral almost certain to be fired if his side are defeated, while success over the team that he built from scratch to star performers in a single season would perhaps afford him the time he needs to bring a similar winning mentality in Chiefs.

There's a huge difference in the overall philosophy of the two clubs.

The Ajax style of play is based on youth, speed, technical ability and classic wing play. That is backed by a fearless attitude which permeates throughout their development ranks. Chiefs, on the other hand, have lost the plot in recent years and seemingly made up some sort of style as they went along.

Ertugral's plan no doubt had been to start afresh with the introduction of some young Turks, bolstered by old hands in Shaun Bartlett, Fabian McCarthy, Cyril Nzama, Thabo Mooki, Tenashe Nengomashe and David Obua. The plan backfired early on, and Motaung's criticism of the timing of Ertugral's reliance on youth did not help.

Now what? Does the Chiefs mentor tackle his high-flying former "chickens" with the old guard or does he fight youthful exuberance with youthful exuberance?

It's a tough call, an unenviable assignment, a match Ertugral simply has to win.

There will be no room for sentiment, as explained by Ajax boss John Comitis. "Muhsin remains one of the top coaches in the league and certainly one of the best I had ever worked with," he said. "People have asked me about the possibility about Ajax beating Chief and that it could mean the sack for Muhsin.

"We want to win to stay at the top of the log. Getting the Chiefs coach sacked is not part of the equation. Muhsin can turn the corner with Chiefs.

"They will, however, come here desperate for a win, so our coach Craig Rosslee has his work cut out."

One player who has made a timely difference in the Ajax ranks is beanpole striker Nathan Paulse. Previously a mere bit-part player, he has stepped up to the plate to fill the departed Terror Fanteni's boots with huge success.

His form after four goals in three outings poses a big threat to a sluggish Chiefs defence not known for their strength under the high ball. Star goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is set for a busy afternoon between the poles.

"I have an idea what's in store on Saturday and will prepare accordingly," said Ertugral.