TUESDAY, 11.15AM
FORMER Burkina Faso national soccer coach Frenchman Philippe Troussier confirmed on Monday that he is to coach Bafana Bafana in the World Cup finals, following calls for caretaker coach Jomo Sono to stay on as the South African soccer coach.
“It has been confirmed to me 100% that I will take over as coach,” Troussier said.
There was some confusion as to who would lead Bafana Bafana to the World Cup finals, after players and supporters indicated that Sono was their first choice as coach following his success in taking Bafana Bafana to the African Cup of Nations final.
A senior SA Football Association spokesman said, however, that Troussier did not sign a contract in January, when he was chosen to prepare Bafana Bafana for the World Cup finals.
Troussier added: “I understand the outpourings of gratitude for Sono after reaching the final, but I already feel as if I have started my job.”
Safa CEO Danny Jordaan said that the matter will be resolved when the Safa international board meets on Friday. Jordaan also cautioned that the players will not be allowed to select the coach: “It must be the other way around,” he said.
It seems likely under the circumstances that Sono will be retained as a coaching adviser while Troussier will be the national coach.
02