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Cape Town - Despite reservations from their mother club in Amsterdam, Ajax Cape Town's chairperson John Comitis says they will consider giving Muhsin Ertugral a long-term contract.
Ertugral, 53, was appointed as Ajax's technical director last month, and when coach Jan Versleijen resigned, the Turk was also named head coach.
However, the decision to bring Ertugal back for his third stint at the club has upset Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam, who own a majority share in the club.
Etugral though is on the verge of steering the club to safety, after it at one stage looked like they may be relegated from the PSL. Ajax are unbeaten in three games since Ertugral took over. They beat likely champions Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in his first game in charge.
A 1-1 draw against Maritzburg United on the weekend, coupled by Chippa United in 15th spot securing a 2-2 draw against University of Pretoria, mean Ajax need just one point at home against Golden Arrows this weekend to retain their top-flight status.
Comitis though feels the decision to appoint Ertugral has paid off, and he backs the new coach for a long haul at the club.
"Obviously the the decision to give Muhsin a long-term contract has to be made by the board, but I think the is the man who can take this club forward," Comitis told the Cape Times.
Ajax Amsterdam's animosity towards Ertugral stems from his decision to ditch Ajax early in the 2009/10 campaign to join Turkish club Sivasspor. Amsterdam's director of football, Marc Overmars, said after Ertugral's was named as coach: "They seem to have forgotten that we have 51% of the shares."
However, Comitis said Ertugral has made up for that premature departure. "Muhsin had to leave because it was a massive opportunity for him. We know we made the right decision to get him back, because he has brought stability back to the club. We are going to stand by him, and I think this time, he will be here to stay.
Comitis said Ertugral's vision for the club is what they want going forward.
"Muhsin's plans excites me, because he wants to develop players for the professional environment. We have the Dutch system in place at the moment, but the players must also learn how to adapt to certain situations. And that is Muhsin's vision, to teach these kids from a young age to be able to think for themselves on the field, and also not to be too predictable."
Despite his backing for the new coach, Comitis said they don't want to cut ties with Amsterdam.
"We don't want to lose them as partners, because we think the brand can only grow bigger. I think it will be short-sighted on their part to pull out."
Ajax's game against Arrows at Athlone Stadiums kicks off at 15:00 on Saturday.
Ertugral, 53, was appointed as Ajax's technical director last month, and when coach Jan Versleijen resigned, the Turk was also named head coach.
However, the decision to bring Ertugal back for his third stint at the club has upset Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam, who own a majority share in the club.
Etugral though is on the verge of steering the club to safety, after it at one stage looked like they may be relegated from the PSL. Ajax are unbeaten in three games since Ertugral took over. They beat likely champions Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in his first game in charge.
A 1-1 draw against Maritzburg United on the weekend, coupled by Chippa United in 15th spot securing a 2-2 draw against University of Pretoria, mean Ajax need just one point at home against Golden Arrows this weekend to retain their top-flight status.
Comitis though feels the decision to appoint Ertugral has paid off, and he backs the new coach for a long haul at the club.
"Obviously the the decision to give Muhsin a long-term contract has to be made by the board, but I think the is the man who can take this club forward," Comitis told the Cape Times.
Ajax Amsterdam's animosity towards Ertugral stems from his decision to ditch Ajax early in the 2009/10 campaign to join Turkish club Sivasspor. Amsterdam's director of football, Marc Overmars, said after Ertugral's was named as coach: "They seem to have forgotten that we have 51% of the shares."
However, Comitis said Ertugral has made up for that premature departure. "Muhsin had to leave because it was a massive opportunity for him. We know we made the right decision to get him back, because he has brought stability back to the club. We are going to stand by him, and I think this time, he will be here to stay.
Comitis said Ertugral's vision for the club is what they want going forward.
"Muhsin's plans excites me, because he wants to develop players for the professional environment. We have the Dutch system in place at the moment, but the players must also learn how to adapt to certain situations. And that is Muhsin's vision, to teach these kids from a young age to be able to think for themselves on the field, and also not to be too predictable."
Despite his backing for the new coach, Comitis said they don't want to cut ties with Amsterdam.
"We don't want to lose them as partners, because we think the brand can only grow bigger. I think it will be short-sighted on their part to pull out."
Ajax's game against Arrows at Athlone Stadiums kicks off at 15:00 on Saturday.
