Jordaan: Igesund’s job safe for now

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 24: Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund with CEO Dennis Mumble and Safa President Danny Jordaan during the Sports Industry Summit 2013 at Deloitte Johannesburg Office in Woodmead on October 24, 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 24: Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund with CEO Dennis Mumble and Safa President Danny Jordaan during the Sports Industry Summit 2013 at Deloitte Johannesburg Office in Woodmead on October 24, 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

Published Feb 4, 2014

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Johannesburg – SA Football Association (Safa) president Danny Jordaan said Gordon Igesund's job with the national team was safe for now.

“I am aware that there is speculation surrounding Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund,” Jordaan said on Tuesday.

“I read in the news that this coach or that coach is coming to take over from Gordon. Well, I want to say that, at the moment, there is no vacancy.”

Rumours were widespread on Igesund's future after Bafana Bafana failed to qualify for the quarterfinals of the African Nations Championship, hosted by South Africa, in January.

Jordaan promised sweeping changes in the structures of football to ensure improvements in developing the sport across all age groups.

After a three-day Lekgotla of NEC members, Safa would now embark on a major overhaul, he said.

An increased emphasis on the development of youth teams and women's football; the reintroduction of inter-provincial tournaments for men and women and the creation of football academies in all nine provinces were some of the initiatives announced.

“We have thrown away the drawing board and starting on a new slate,” Jordaan said.

“If we are to have a national team that can compete with the best in the world, then we have to strengthen development at all levels in order to produce players capable of beating the best in the world.

“We will be working harder to identify and develop promising young women to help them achieve their full potential.”

A major training programme for scouts and coaches would be held to enhance their abilities to improve talent identification across the country and a greater emphasis would be placed on scientific research to improve player performance. – Sapa

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