Former Orlando Pirates coach Muhsin Ertugral has explained why he had to let Thabo Rakhale to play his “Kasi” style during his time at the Sea Robbers.
Rakhale enjoyed his football career at the Soweto giants between 2013 and 2017, where he became a talking point in the football fraternity in South Africa for his dribbling skills and showboating displays.
Kasi football is believed to be a SA football culture. However, many coaches have opted to follow the European style of play.
In an interview with Andile Ngcube on Metro FM, the 32-year-old winger, who won the 2021 Nedbank Cup with Tshakhuma Tsha Madivhandila, has revealed that coach Ertugral believed in him and gave him a chance to express his playing style.
And now, speaking to ThisIsfootball.Africa, Ertugral has explained the reasons for freeing Rakhale to do his magic.
“I wanted Thabo (Rakhale) to feel free to take on defenders and to try to eliminate the opponents because he had a great pace. He had a good eye on the situations under pressure, he was a quick thinker,” Ertugral told Thisisfootball.Africa.
“I found that he’s a kind of player that when he gets the ball around the box, his instincts and technical capacity can unlock any defense. I wanted him to play that way because when he was free, he could manage to eliminate opponents.
“I enjoyed working with such a great talent, though we couldn’t spend more time together at Pirates, because as you know I was not there long. He is one of those talents in South Africa who was very talented, and we should look after them. Thabo is one of those great, talented and skilled players. He is hard-working humble player.”
Jomo, as the former Chippa United player is affectionately known, is now a free agent and has pleaded with teams to give him a second chance. And the Turkish tactician also assured clubs that they will not regret giving Rakhale an opportunity to play once more.
“As you mention he’s a free agent, teams should not even think twice about signing him, they must go for him. He’s a great player,” added Ertugral.
“Like there are special players that must be looked after. Thabo is special and a superb human being.”
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