Former Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates coach Muhsin Ertugral has shared his thoughts on the suspended Premier Soccer League (PSL) season, saying the league’s governing body cannot crown new champions now.
This comes as the 2019/20 PSL campaign remains suspended owing to the coronavirus pandemic and ‘Mshini’ believes it is better to wait a little bit and see how Germany and England resume their seasons.
On the other hand, the Turkish national team’s technical advisor warns the Netherlands might have legal challenges following the decision to declare the season null and void whilst the French decided to hand the trophy to Paris St. Germain.
“I am busy here [in Turkey] with the Turkish league, we have analyzed Germany and England. France and Holland have a different solution and they are both going to have huge problems with the clubs getting to court,” Ertugral told Goal.
With the South African football fraternity divided on whether Amakhosi should be crowned the new champions, Ertugral responds on which call could be best for the league.
“You can’t give a title [for a season] that has not been completed. To cancel completely like Holland [the Netherlands] is probably a better idea,” added the former Ajax Cape Town boss.
“The best way really is to finalize behind closed doors. That’s what Germany is trying to do.
“Obviously, it’s really an emotional situation as well for Chiefs. They have done well and [Mamelodi] Sundowns are [breathing] on their neck. There are as well teams that have an outside chance mathematically.”
Meanwhile, media reports surfaced on Monday the PSL and the South African Football Association (Safa), together with the government, will meet on Tuesday in an aim to find a solution to the current season, but the 60-year-old insists waiting a little bit could be a better solution.
“Unfortunately, the situation is very uncertain about the safety of the players which is a real challenge, and before that is really guaranteed, actually to play is dangerous,” he continued.
“So far you can put [schedule of the games] it later, that gives a bit of time frame to organize and to look at what Germany and the other European or international experience will bring on the table. South Korea has started already as well.”
As things stand, coach Ernst Middendorp’s men top the log table with 48 points from 22 matches, they lead Masandawana by four points but Pitso Mosimane’s side has a game in hand.
Sharing the third spot is SuperSport United and the Buccaneers, they both have 40 points and are separated on goal difference.
Meanwhile, the South African Football Association (Safa) and PSL have been working together to ensure that football resumes in the country and the 2019/20 season is completed.
Safa recently mandated both Dr. Danny Jordaan and Dr. Irvin Khoza to represent the Joint Liaison Committee (JLC) in a meeting with Minister of Health Dr. Zweli Mkhize and Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula.
Both Jordaan and Khoza will discuss possible starting dates for the resumption of football matches in their meeting with Mbalula and Mkhize.
