The Buccaneers, like their big Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs, are out of the MTN8 after a 2-1 defeat at Bidvest Stadium in which Ovono flapped and fumbled all game long.
“We cannot only blame him, it’s an ongoing process [the team's performances and selecting the first-choice goalkeeper],” Ertugral told SuperSport after the match.
“He didn’t play last season a lot so we gave him that trust and obviously now on two occasions he was a bit problematic, especially the second goal.
“But in the end he doesn’t want to make the mistake, mistakes happen in the game. We needed to be a little more alert in the situations where we knew Wits had been strong, so I will take the blame.”
Questioned on Brighton Mhlongo’s future and how he is going to decide on the player between the sticks after Ovono’s poor game, Ertugral was diplomatic.
“[Brighton] Mhlongo is a very good goalkeeper, we needed competition in that department, we have also Jackson Mabokgwane who is a Bafana-selected player so we’ll work on it. But obviously we are very disappointed and I will take the blame.”
Ertugral also appealed to the supporters to take note that Pirates played a 4-4-2 formation.
“I heard 4-4-2, 4-4-2. We played 4-4-2 the whole game nearly, so for those who weren’t happy we played 4-4-2,” the coach added.