Pirates axe Tinkler, hire Ertugral

Orlando Pirates have confirmed that Muhsin Ertugral will take over from Eric Tinkler as the club’s head coach.

The now former Black Aces coach has signed a three year contract with the Soweto giants and will assume his duties from July 1, according to a Pirates statement released on Tuesday.

‘I am excited about the prospect of working for Orlando Pirates Football Club. It’s an absolute honour to be at the helm of one of the biggest Clubs in Africa.’ said Ertugral.

‘This is a Club with great history and tradition. I am looking forward to being part of the Orlando Pirates family and thank the President for the trust he has shown in me.’

Pirates’ Administrative Officer Floyd Mbele added: ‘Muhsin is a coach who needs no introductions. His achievements and knowledge of the game are well documented.

‘We are confident that he will find all he needs to assemble an exciting and competitive squad ahead of the start of the 2016-17 season.’

The statement also revealed that ‘the Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza met with Eric Tinkler earlier this afternoon to deliberate on matters of the Club’.

‘The Chairman is scheduled to meet Tinkler again on Monday, 4 July 2016 to conclude these discussions.’ ended the statement.