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Ertugral reveals lengthy Bucs flirtation

Cape Town - Newly-appointed Orlando Pirates coach Muhsin Ertugral has revealed that the club had been after his services for more than a decade.

Pirates announced the appointment of Turkey-born Ertugral to replace Eric Tinkler on Tuesday evening.

Ertugral came close to joining the Buccaneers in 2003, following a four-year spell at the helm of Kaizer Chiefs.

According to the 56-year-old tactician, the deceased former club official Zodwa Khoza was keen on his services.

"It's been a long time. Zodwa, the President's (Irvin Khoza’s) late daughter, always used to say to me that one day she was going to get me to coach Pirates," Ertugral told Soccer Laduma.

"She would come for dinner with me and my wife and she would say to me, 'You are an Orlando Pirates coach! One day I am going to make you a Pirates coach! You are a Buccaneer!' Now I believe that Zodwa's wish has come true."

Ertugral steered Mpumalanga Black Aces to a fourth place finish last season before the club was sold.

"You know, I was very happy at Aces. We were growing something; I think everyone could see that. These young players were improving all the time and it was wonderful to see. There was a possibility of me moving to Cape Town, but certain issues couldn't be agreed upon."

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