Most Betway Premiership supporters fondly remember Gordon Gilbert for his impressive speed and aggression in the Kaizer Chiefs backline.
His unique style made him stand out as one of the club’s most technical and quick central defenders during his time there.
However, his promising career at Chiefs was surprisingly short-lived.
Why Did Gordon Gilbert’s Time at Chiefs End So Soon?
Gordon Gilbert, now 42 and hailing from Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, has revealed that his former Kaizer Chiefs coach, Muhsin Ertugral, used him to send a message to the club’s management.
Gilbert claims that Ertugral was unhappy about the club’s owners signing him without the coach’s consent.
This tension affected Gilbert’s opportunities to prove himself on the field.
Gilbert’s Experience Under Muhsin Ertugral
Speaking to KickOff, Gilbert shared his side of the story.
He expressed his love for the Chiefs supporters, team, and management, saying it was “unbelievable.”
However, he felt he was at a disadvantage from the start.
In his very first game for Chiefs, Gilbert was named man of the match, showcasing his talent.
Yet in his second game, he was unexpectedly dropped from the squad.
Gilbert believes this was because Ertugral was displeased that the Motaung family signed him without the coach’s approval.
He said, “So from Day one, he never gave me a fair opportunity.”
Gilbert added that the coach appeared to make an example out of him to warn the club owners against signing players without consulting him.
Career After Kaizer Chiefs
After leaving Kaizer Chiefs, Gilbert moved on to play for Moroka Swallows and later Mpumalanga Black Aces.
He retired relatively early from professional football at the age of 29, following the 2010/2011 season.
Gilbert’s Wish for a Second Chance
Reflecting on his experience, Gilbert said he would love to play for Kaizer Chiefs again under a different manager.
This suggests that his passion for the club remains strong despite the challenges he faced.