Ertugral’s cardinal sin

On Sunday, when Manchester United completed the second chapter in their quest to rewrite the great game’s history books, poor Kaizer Chiefs head coach Muhsin Ertugral was committing a cardinal sin.

Sir Alex Ferguson and his Red-hot Devils edged Tottenham to add the Carling Cup to the World Club Cup already at Old Trafford. The magnificent Reds remain on track for the ambitious five-trophy haul that will no doubt make this their best season. The world champions are well-placed at the top of the English Premiership, among the favourites to win both the FA Cup and Champions League.

A big club should not only be big by name, tradition or the number of supporters that fill their terraces to the rafters every weekend. Though these attributes play a major role in shaping allegiance, the Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, Barcelonas and Real Madrids of this world must justify their iconic status by being in contention for the league title and trophies.

However, even Sir Alex would have you know that of all these pieces of metal, there is none more precious than the league title to a football fan. Football supporters would gladly swap all the silverware on offer for the number-one spot at the end of the season and with it, earn the right to stick out their tongues at their rivals at the slightest of opportunities screaming “nah, nah, nah, nah we are the champions!”

With the exception of Kaizer Chiefs, the Buccaneers, Catalans of Barca and the Bernabeu of Madrid can still dream of grabbing the bragging rights. Before I am crucified by the Chiefs legion of faithfuls, I must hasten to clarify that it was none other than the man who should know better about the calibre of the team who ruled Amakhosi out of contention this past weekend. Ertugral conceded after the 3-0 loss to SuperSport on Saturday that Chiefs were out of it. Nine points behind the log leaders from Tshwane does not really inspire much hope.

However, the dejected coach seems to have invited the wrath of the Chiefs supporters, much to the glee of us sea robbers. Listening to the many callers vent their anger on radio this week, it seems the Chiefs coach has become public enemy number one for some of the followers of the boys in gold and black. His cardinal sin being that he stated the obvious. Rationale dictates that it would truly take a miracle for Amakhosi to win the league this season after falling nine points behind the log leaders.

It may be obvious to some great football fundis out there but I am tempted to ask: Is it wrong for Ertugral to concede defeat?