The acquisition of Bafana Bafana midfielder Dean Furman by SuperSport United, points to the evolution going on at Matsatsatsa a Pitori under the tutelage of Gordon Igesund.
Traditionally SuperSport have been known for producing and promoting youngsters but Igesund’s appetite for success seem to be directing the club to bringing in more experienced players with proven pedigree. So far this season SuperSport have signed eight players ... who didn’t come cheap. Half of the players signed are from abroad and they are likely to be on massive pay cheques.
With the signing of Furman, Bongani Khumalo, Michael Boxall, Isaka Cernak, Grant Kekana, Phume-lele Bhengu and Fagrie Lakay, the SuperSport bosses will be looking for return on their investment. Igesund will have to deliver the title. And the four-time PSL championship winning coach feels landing Furman’s signature will set them up for glory.
“We have always said we want to be the team that challenges for the championship. One thing I do know is that you can’t buy success. You can go out and spend millions and still not win the championship. It takes a lot of hard work, discipline and organisation,” said Igesund.
“We want to be challenging and Dean is going to play a huge role in that. Dean has been the missing piece of the puzzle for me in the middle of the park. We have such an attacking team and to have a player like him in the role that I want him to play for us, gives a lot of players freedom going forward. He is going to make a big impact.”
Furman, who captained Bafana Bafana at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, knows much will be expected from him. However he is not perturbed by the expectations.
“My biggest level of pressure comes from myself. I have a certain level I want set for myself. I have a certain level that I want to bring to the team. I know that’s what the coach and other players will be expecting from me. I have no divine right to just walk into the team. I have got to prove myself,” he said.
“I loved playing for Gordon with the national team. Now for me to come and play domestically week-in-and-week-out will be great for me. Hopefully I can help us get success.”
Furman joins a growing list of South Africans who have returned to the PSL after finding the going tough abroad. The notion has been criticised by many as they see it as a step backwards. However Furman says it’s not so in his case.
“I don’t see it as a step backward. The league is strong, very physical and there’s an immense amount of skill. Individually it will be a chance to develop my game further playing in a different style every week.”
Furman, 27, could make his debut when SuperSport take on Mpumalanga Black Aces at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday night.
“I’ve been working hard behind the scenes. If called upon and the coach thinks I am ready, I can give all that I can with my current level of fitness,” said the player who signed a two-year deal. - The Star