adminThe announcement was made on Saturday at Safa House following a meeting of the national executive committee (NEC).
The two coaches who were asked to present their credentials for the position — Steve Komphela and Gordon Igesund — were each given a chance to make a presentation to the NEC. The new coach has been offered a two-year contract with a mandate to reach at least the semi-final in the 2013 Afcon tournament which South
Africa will host, as well as qualifying the country for the 2014 Fifa World Cup tournament in Brazil.
“The two coaches each made a presentation to the NEC which also received a report from the Safa technical committee. It is from this process that the decision was arrived at,” said Safa president Kirsten Nematandani.
“It was not an easy decision as both coaches are well-equipped to take Bafana Bafana forward. At the end of the day, it was a unanimous decision and we think the final verdict was in the best interest of the nation.”
The Safa president also appealed to members of the public and media to give the new head coach all the support and not judge him on upcoming friendly matches against Brazil and Poland (both away).
“The bigger picture is the 2013 Afcon tournament and qualifying us for Brazil 2014 World Cup,” he said.
Meanwhile, Record winners Egypt were knocked out of African Nations Cup qualifying on Saturday, drawing 1-1 with the rank outsiders from Central African Republic to lose 4-3 on aggregate.
The Egyptians will miss the finals for the second time in a row, representing a major setback for American coach Bob Bradley who was hired last year after they had failed to qualify for the 2012 edition.
Foxi Kethevoama put Central African Republic in front midway through the first half and the visitors equalised with a goal from Emad Moteab 13 minutes from time.
Egypt’s 3-2 home defeat in Alexandria in the first leg was one of the biggest ever upsets in Nations Cup qualification. Central African Republic are now through to the
last round of qualifying for the 2013 finals in South Africa. Thirty teams will be drawn on Thursday into 15 final round, two-legged knockout ties to be played in September and October. — Supersport.
Online Reporter