Gordon Igesund has pipped Steve Komphela to the post as new coach of South Africa, after a unanimous decision by the South African FA (Safa) NEC.
Igesund has been offered a two-year contract with a mandate to reach at least the semi-final of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, which South Africa will host, as well as qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
After the long list of five – which included Gavin Hunt, Neil Tovey, Shakes Mashaba – Igesund and Komphela were each given a chance to make a presentation to the Safa National Executive Committee.
“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,” Safa President Kirsten Nematandani said.
“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 coach all the support he needs, 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,” Nematandani added at a press conference.