Turkish Coach Erol Bulut Linked With PSL Move Ahead of 2025/26 Season
Turkish tactician Erol Bulut has emerged as a high-profile candidate for a potential move to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, as several South African clubs prepare for sweeping changes in their technical benches.
The 49-year-old, who holds a UEFA Pro License, is being mentioned in circles around clubs such as Orlando Pirates, SuperSport United, Marumo Gallants, Chippa United, Golden Arrows, and Cape Town City—all of whom are expected to consider coaching changes in the coming weeks.
Bulut has built a strong reputation across Europe for his tactical discipline, modern approach to football, and success in player development. After a playing career that included spells at clubs like Eintracht Frankfurt, Olympiacos, and Fenerbahce, the former left-back transitioned into coaching and quickly made a name for himself on the sidelines.
His managerial résumé is equally impressive. Bulut led Turkish clubs Alanyaspor and Yeni Malatyaspor to their best-ever league finishes, earning Europa League spots and reaching Turkish Cup finals. His most high-profile appointment came in 2020 when he took charge of Fenerbahce. Despite intense pressure at one of Turkey’s biggest clubs, he steered them to a third-place finish while significantly improving both their attacking output and defensive structure.
Most recently, Bulut earned plaudits for his work in England’s Championship with Cardiff City. Taking over a team that had narrowly avoided relegation, he transformed them into a solid mid-table outfit, finishing 12th in the league and modernizing their play style with a more possession-based and attacking philosophy.
What makes Bulut particularly attractive to PSL suitors is his international experience and adaptability. He is fluent in English, German, Turkish, and Greek, which reflects his ease in multicultural environments—an essential quality in South Africa’s diverse football landscape.
His coaching mantra, “Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles,” encapsulates a balanced and pragmatic style that could appeal to clubs seeking to make a mark both locally and in CAF competitions.
As the PSL offseason heats up, Bulut joins a growing list of international names being considered to bring a fresh dimension to South African football. With clubs increasingly leaning toward progressive, results-driven leadership, the Turkish coach could well be one of the most exciting additions to the league’s managerial roster if talks materialise.
The coming weeks could prove pivotal, as decision-makers weigh their options for the new season. Erol Bulut, with his proven track record and modern football philosophy, stands out as a potential game-changer in the ever-evolving PSL coaching landscape.
