How many of you guys managed to keep to your New Year’s resolutions in 2013?
I know many people who threw their “last” packet of cigarettes away at the stroke of midnight on January 1 last year, only to fork out R30 on that same afternoon to buy another pack.
Every year we have visions of big biceps and “six pack” abs before Easter. However, the only “six pack” we’ll have by then is the one in the fridge next to the pickled fish.
My wife thinks my 2013 resolutions were to pick up weight and watch sport on the couch every weekend. But what she doesn’t know is that my sole resolution was to have no resolutions, if that makes any sense.
I don’t really have to guess what Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund’s 2013 resolutions were. Doing well at the African Cup of Nations, qualifying for the World Cup and shooting Bafana up the world rankings would have been top of that list.
Unfortunately for Igesund, it wasn’t to be, although he did end off his year with a bang – beating world champions Spain in a friendly international.
But what now for Igesund in 2014? What is it that the coach wants this year? Maybe some of these issues are high on his wish list:
1 For Safa and the PSL to sort out issues long before it becomes a crisis
Safa and the PSL never seem to learn. The issue surrounding Kaizer Chiefs (and now Wits) not making their players available for the upcoming African Nations Championship (Chan) could have been resolved months ago. And now, after the paw-paw has struck the fan, Igesund has to clean up the mess.
It is Igesund’s job to try and pick the best players to qualify and win tournaments, not to beg teams to release players.
2 For Steven Pienaar to make a return to the national team
Pienaar is again playing some of the best football of his career. The former Ajax Cape Town star has a new lease on life since the attack-minded Roberto Martinez took over from David Moyes at Everton.
Pienaar hasn’t always played his best football for Bafana, but with the emergence of a few talented youngsters also playing abroad, he will have a lot more quality around him to shine. Building a team around his drive and undoubted ability would be great for South African football.
3 Another goal scorer to support Bernard Parker upfront
Bernard Parker has been played into the ground by club and country over the past few years. But no other striker has been consistent enough to rotate or compete with Parker.
Tokelo Rantie has shown glimpses of his ability, but he still lacks the cool composure in front of goal. A few others like Katlego Mashego are playing well in the PSL, but they haven’t always been as effective on the international stage.
Bafana will need a consistent goal scorer for the African Cup of Nations qualifiers later this year.
Whatever Igesund’s 2014 desires might be, we can only whish him well for the year ahead. Sterkte ou maat...
TWEETS OF THE WEEK
@SeppBlatter: My thoughts are with Michael Schumacher & his family at start of 2014. Like many sports fans, I wait for positive news, & send him strength.
@markfish74: One of my new years resolution is to be even more positive and less sarcastic...??
WHO TO FOLLOW
@Toure_yaya42: The Manchester City and Ivory Coast kingpin is set to win his third successive African Footballer of the Year award.
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