Igesund waiting on Safa’s next move

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - MAY 19, during the Absa Premiership match between Maritzburg United and Moroka Swallows at Harry Gwala Stadium on May 19, 2012 in Durban, South Africa Photo by Steve Haag / Gallo Images

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - MAY 19, during the Absa Premiership match between Maritzburg United and Moroka Swallows at Harry Gwala Stadium on May 19, 2012 in Durban, South Africa Photo by Steve Haag / Gallo Images

Published Jun 7, 2012

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The most wanted man in South African football is not aware that he is a wanted man. Officially that is.

Moroka Swallows coach Gordon Igesund is yet to hear from South African Football Association (Safa) concerning the possibility of taking over the Bafana Bafana hot seat following the sacking of Pitso Mosimane.

Igesund, who together with his Swallows team returned from China on Wednesday, said he has not heard anything from football top brass in this country.

“I have had no correspondence from anyone concerning the Bafana job. It’s all speculation. I have just heard about it in the media. I also had people call me in China telling me about it. At the moment, I can’t comment as it’s just speculation. Once there’s something concrete, I will react,” said Igesund.

The quadruple PSL championship-winning coach and his men returned from their end of season tour in China, where they played against Shanghai Shenhua.

Shanghai Shenhua are emerging as a top football team that is attracting star footballers. Former France international Nicolas Anelka is the most popular footballer who plays for the team coached by Argentine legend Sergio Batista.

Ivory Coast star Didier Drogba is also reportedly close to joining the big-spending side.

“It was a great experience. We made lots of new friends. We played two matches but the real match was on Sunday where we beat Shenhua 3-1. Mpho Maleka scored a brace while George Negazde got the other goal,” said Igesund.

But it is not the exploits of the Birds in Asia that many are interested in, it is the prospect of taking over Bafana that most people would like Gordon ponder. Igesund, who is not shy to state his views, did not want to talk about his ambitions although he has previously stated his desire to coach the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations winners.

Igesund revealed that he will be heading to Cape Town, where he will have discussions with Swallows boss Leon Prins. “I am on a bit of a break now. I will be going to Cape Town to meet Leon to discuss the players we want for next season.”

It remains to be seen if Igesund will be around to coach Swallows next season as there’s a likelihood that he will be in charge of Bafana when the PSL season resumes. Igesund, who won the league with four different sides – Manning Rangers, Orlando Pirates, Santos and Sundowns, is the front runner to the top job.

Asked about Igesund, Safa chief executive Robin Peterson told a national radio station that he hoped Igesund will be interested in the job. On social media sites, Igesund’s name has been a hit

News from Safa is that the men from Nasrec are hoping to find and finalise Mosimane’s replacement by the end of August. Another candidate Steve Komphela has been tasked with leading Bafana in the next two matches – a 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Botswana and a friendly game against Gabon. – Pretoria News

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