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| It's over: South Africa's national head coach Gordon Igesund |
Here is the full statement produced by Gordon Igesund after SAFA announced they would not renew his contract as South Africa's national head coach:
"Firstly I would just like to start off by saying that it has been my distinct privilege and honour, as well as the highlight of my career to have been the South African Men's Senior National Team coach for these last two years.
"Of course I am deeply disappointed with SAFA's decision undertaken yesterday to not extend my contract beyond August, however this is football and it's the nature of the game.
"I have called this press conference in order to have the opportunity to personally thank those who have supported me throughout the ups and downs - from the SAFA executive committee right through to the technical staff and players. There are too many names to mention each and everyone individually, but certainly I would like to thank the likes of Danny Jordaan, Serame Letsoaka, Barney Kujane and Alex Heredia who have worked closely with me throughout this journey.
"Together we have had a good run, which has seen the foundations having being laid for the vision, and plan I had for Bafana Bafana in order for them to move forward.
"This is illustrated through the introduction of many young players introduced under my reign some of which, like Dean Furman, May Mahlangu and Ayanda Patosi for example have gone on to establish themselves as true leaders and future stars of this team of ours.
"We also managed to overcome the old stigma of not being able to score goals at the top level. Over the last 32 matches we have managed to score in excess of 1.5 goals a game.
"In official matches, we played 14, won 7, drew 5 and lost just twice. There have also been a number of friendlies for me to test ourselves and the victory over current world champions Spain will be a night I will never forget and South Africa should never forget. That game, that result is an indication of what is possible with a plan and a vision. Bafana does have the talent and the ability to compete, and defeat the very best and we must never forget that.
"All in all, looking back, as a South African I am incredibly proud of the fact that we have seen the team move up the world FIFA rankings whilst under my tenure and hope we can continue to do so moving forward under my successor.
"Whoever that is, I wish him all the best with his appointment and will always be available to assist Bafana Bafana wherever possible.
"I believe this team can do wonderful things with the vast talent I have seen and I believe I hand over a national team that is in a far better state than the one I inherited.
"Under the current guidance of SAFA I have no doubt we will continue to improve and I wish everyone involved with the national team the very best going forward."
SOCCERBALLZ! my innovative football show on www.ballz.co.za with Mark Fish airs every Thursday from 9am-11am. See Ballz' channel for our growing library of fascinating football interviews with the big names.
You can also follow me on www.twitter.com/nealcol for all the latest sports news and read my “Neal and Pray” column every Tuesday in www.thenewage.co.za.
ROUND 1 PREDICTIONS
Thanks for making your predictions for Round 1 of KICK OFF Predictor.
These predictions were made on 6/4/2014 2:03:55 PM
Your predictions are:
Thanks for making your predictions for Round 1 of KICK OFF Predictor.
These predictions were made on 6/4/2014 2:03:55 PM
Your predictions are:
| Brazil 2 |
| vs |
| Croatia 0 |
| Mexico 1 |
| vs |
| Cameroon 1 |
| Spain 0 |
| vs |
| Netherlands 0 |
| Chile 3 |
| vs |
| Australia 0 |
| Colombia 2 |
| vs |
| Greece 0 |
| Uruguay 2 |
| vs |
| Costa Rica 1 |
| England 0 |
| vs |
| Italy 0 |
| Ivory Coast 1 |
| vs |
| Japan 0 |
| Switzerland 2 |
| vs |
| Ecuador 2 |
| France 1 |
| vs |
| Honduras 0 |
| Argentina 4 |
| vs |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina 0 |
| Germany 2 |
| vs |
| Portugal 1 |
| Iran 0 |
| vs |
| Nigeria 1 |
| Ghana 1 |
| vs |
| USA 1 |
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