Whatever happens on Saturday, the final day of the football season, whether Moroka Swallows win the PSL title or not, coach Gordon Igesund will still be a very happy man.
It has been another remarkable contribution from a coach who must surely rank among the most successful this country has seen over the last two decades. When Igesund took over at Swallows in the middle of last season, the team was rock-bottom of the log and appeared destined for relegation. Now, in a season and a half, he has them in with a chance of winning the league title.
Igesund may have his critics and detractors, but even the most vocal of them must now surely admit that he is a coach of substance and quality, with few peers in the South Africa game. And the fact that he has still not been the coach of the SA national team is certainly a travesty.
Log leaders and defending champions Orlando Pirates are clear favourites to retain the league championship. While the other challengers were eliminated over the weekend, Swallows are the only team left standing. Pirates have 55 points and the Birds 53, with one game to go.
In essence, Igesund’s men have to win their final match on Saturday against Maritzburg United, and hope the Buccaneers falter in their game, away to Golden Arrows.
Igesund was philosophical about the outcome, acknowledging that it was out his team’s control.
“Look, we know the situation,” said the 55-year-old coach. “We’ll give it our best shot and go for the three points against Maritzburg. Whatever happens, happens.
“Arrows are a formidable team at home and they will provide Pirates with tough competition. We just have to hope that they can do something.
“Essentially, though, we cannot focus on that match. We have to go out and do what we have to do, and that is to win on Saturday.
“But it doesn’t really matter. It has still been an amazing season. The players have done a really good job.”
Igesund has, of course, won the PSL title on four previous occasions – with Manning Rangers, Pirates, Santos and Sundowns.
When asked to look back at these successes and what he has achieved at Swallows, Igesund compared it to his title-winning campaign with Santos.
“This season has been similar to my time at Santos,” he said. “The attitude in this squad is a lot like what I had in the Cape – players who are willing to listen and learn, and have that all-important never-say-die spirit and approach.” – Cape Argus