• Tweet

Steve Komphela

ROUGH RIDE: Pitso Mosimane

 Coaches neck and neck in a cliffhanger 

RELATED ARTICLES

• Baptism of fire for new coach
• It's Komphela or Igesund
• Bafana job too big for Steve: Fortune

It's still unclear who is favourite between Gordon Igesund and Steve Komphela to land the position that became vacant this month after Pitso Mosimane was fired.

But indications are that the South African Football Association's national executive is split on who should be selected, with committee members likely to face a torrid time when they have to make the decision on June 30.

Komphela was interviewed on Monday, the last of the five candidates. The others were Gavin Hunt, Ephraim "Shakes" Mashaba and Neil Tovey. The interviews were done by the Safa technical committee who scored each candidate.

Even though Komphela and Igesund still have to convince the executive committee of their credentials through presentations on June 30, the executive members appear to have already made up their minds on their preferred man.

According to some members, Komphela has got international experience on his side, having coached the national Under-23 side and having assisted former Bafana coaches Carlos Queiroz, Stuart Baxter, Carlos Alberto Parreira and lately Mosimane. They are of the opinion that Komphela has the potential to become a successful national team coach, having done fairly well at club level, though without achieving much in a way of league championship or silverware.

Others believe that Igesund should be given the job because he has achieved success at club level, even though he has no international experience to speak of.

To some extent, Igesund appears to have the edge and has his supporters among the soccer public.

But it won't be as cut and dried as some believe. There are members of the football association who have expressed reservations about the fact that Igesund does not stay long at any club.

There is pessimism that even if he clinches the job, Igesund would not see out a four-year contract, a scenario that might lead to a similar situation Safa found itself in with Mosimane.

Pundits feel Komphela would be suited for the job as a long-term solution and his relative success as coach of Free State Stars justifies the interest in him.

Besides, Komphela seems well versed in dealing with Safa's football politics, which comes with the poisoned chalice that is the Bafana job.

Talk about a cliffhanger!

Comments

• Sign in or sign up to comment

Tue May 21 12:21:16 SAST 2013 ::

Jun 20, 2012

DJWinner

This thing is very easy, why complications? Igusund for a coach, Kompela for assistant coach.
Report Abuse

Jun 20, 2012

dadaman1

Khompela it should be....

But Knowing SUFFER,I wont be suprised if Poppy Motaung end up be a coach for BB even if he never coached let alone being shortlisted nor interviewed

His dogs can start barking,1....2.....3..hoof hoof
Report Abuse

Jun 20, 2012

ancnduntsu

Everything in this country is going to the dogs bcos of politics.Why is Komphela still in the running for the BB job?? Komphela FAILED dismaly with amaglugluglu!!!!!!!!!!!! Are these Safa fools suffering from selective amnesia??? Gordon deserves this job finish & klaar.
Report Abuse

Jun 20, 2012

Chambo

Cant agree more, Igesund should be afforded the chance even thou he doesnt have international experience. Kompela should be an assistant period.
Report Abuse

Jun 20, 2012

dadaman1

And ancduntsu AKA Toilet Kid should be hired to polish Khompela's shoes as selling masonja at Alex is no longer profitabble for him

U can also start barking but before you do,say that word that your mother called your refugee father with..."RODENT"
Report Abuse

Jun 20, 2012

life1703

Morning all,
I indicated yesterday,commenting and recommending Steve as the more favourable and suitable candidate based on his International experience at both International (as a player/sports analyst) and National level. It is very evident that Safa is concurring with my view and opnion. The boss has spoken!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Abuse

Jun 20, 2012

DJWinner

If SAFA appoints Kompela, I'm continuing to stay away from Bafana games. Look, there is no shop for experience, Igusund will gain international experience with Bafana Bafana.
Report Abuse

Jun 20, 2012

WhiteLiver

Very somple.....Komphela 4 coach and Igusand 4 his Morroka swallows side!
Report Abuse

Jun 20, 2012

Dandan

This Kompela was given the U23s for Olympic games , he failed dismally, thats the reason we dont have quality players in the senior team since U23 is a feeder zone for senior team. Give Gordon a chance
Report Abuse

Jun 20, 2012

DJWinner

People are now being racist.
Report Abuse

Read all 89 comments