GORDON Igesund wants to usher in a new era for Bafana Bafana starting with tonight's friendly against Zimbabwe at Orlando Stadium.
But following his failure to deliver on two of his mandates - a top-four finish at this year's Africa Cup of Nations finals and qualification for the 2014 World Cup - since he has been in charge, the coach is uncertain whether he will get to see his plan through.
Igesund was sure he would keep his job after Bafana's 4-1 victory over Botswana, telling reporters in Durban that the national team was "unlucky" not to qualify for Brazil despite the win.
However, more than 24- hours later, Igesund admitted his plans for continuity could be affected by the SA Football Association elections on September 28.
Kirsten Nematandani, the incumbent Safa president, has recommended that Igesund keep his job. However, Nematandani's opinion could count for very little if he has to vacate his post in two weeks' time.
"There's going to be an election and who knows what could happen. There could be a whole new turnaround, not only in administration but it could also be in the coaching department as well," Igesund said yesterday.
"What I would like, and maybe some agree and other don't, is to sit down with whoever and start on a clean slate and prepare us for the next Africa Cup of Nations as well as the 2018 World Cup. It's tough when you have to do your job when there's so much going on."
Igesund was handed a two-year contract in July last year, meaning if the new Safa leadership decided to send him packing, the coach would have helped prepare Bafana for the next continental tournament in 2015 but not take them to Morocco.
Igesund believes tonight's lineup, made up of locally-based players, will give SA a glimpse of the new generation he would like to introduce. With Zimbabwe coach Ian Gorowa opting to leave out his overseas contingent for tonight's game, Bafana will also be without Bongani Khumalo, Anele Ngcongca, Dean Furman, Kagisho Dikgacoi and Tokelo Rantie.
Darren Keet remains the only overseas-based player in camp and Igesund confirmed the goalkeeper would make his Bafana debut against the Warriors who have also failed to qualify for the World Cup.
Midfielder Lerato Chabangu withdrew from the team at the weekend due to personal issues, the coach added. Kickoff is at 8.30pm
Igesund talks of a new era
GORDON Igesund wants to usher in a new era for Bafana Bafana starting with tonight's friendly against Zimbabwe at Orlando Stadium.
But following his failure to deliver on two of his mandates - a top-four finish at this year's Africa Cup of Nations finals and qualification for the 2014 World Cup - since he has been in charge, the coach is uncertain whether he will get to see his plan through.
Igesund was sure he would keep his job after Bafana's 4-1 victory over Botswana, telling reporters in Durban that the national team was "unlucky" not to qualify for Brazil despite the win.
However, more than 24- hours later, Igesund admitted his plans for continuity could be affected by the SA Football Association elections on September 28.
Kirsten Nematandani, the incumbent Safa president, has recommended that Igesund keep his job. However, Nematandani's opinion could count for very little if he has to vacate his post in two weeks' time.
"There's going to be an election and who knows what could happen. There could be a whole new turnaround, not only in administration but it could also be in the coaching department as well," Igesund said yesterday.
"What I would like, and maybe some agree and other don't, is to sit down with whoever and start on a clean slate and prepare us for the next Africa Cup of Nations as well as the 2018 World Cup. It's tough when you have to do your job when there's so much going on."
Igesund was handed a two-year contract in July last year, meaning if the new Safa leadership decided to send him packing, the coach would have helped prepare Bafana for the next continental tournament in 2015 but not take them to Morocco.
Igesund believes tonight's lineup, made up of locally-based players, will give SA a glimpse of the new generation he would like to introduce. With Zimbabwe coach Ian Gorowa opting to leave out his overseas contingent for tonight's game, Bafana will also be without Bongani Khumalo, Anele Ngcongca, Dean Furman, Kagisho Dikgacoi and Tokelo Rantie.
Darren Keet remains the only overseas-based player in camp and Igesund confirmed the goalkeeper would make his Bafana debut against the Warriors who have also failed to qualify for the World Cup.
Midfielder Lerato Chabangu withdrew from the team at the weekend due to personal issues, the coach added. Kickoff is at 8.30pm
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