/ 2 March 1998

‘We want Sono for World Cup,’ — Fish

MONDAY 10:15AM

OVERWHELMING support from the public and Bafana Bafana team members may force Jomo Sono and the South African Football Association to review their coaching deal.

The South Africans, who returned home to a heroes’ welcome at the Johannesburg airport on Sunday, were all in favour of Sono staying on as coach. Bafana Bafana skipper Lucas Radebe and defender Mark Fish showered praise on Sono for his efforts in building the team and taking them to the African Cup of Nations final.

Fish was clear on Sono, saying: “We want Jomo to stay and lead us in the World Cup finals.” His call was enthusiastically supported by the players, who obviously have a great deal of respect and admiration for Sono.

Sono said after Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 defeat by Egypt in the final that his tenure as coach is over, and that he is ready to hand over the reins to Frenchman Philippe Troussier. Troussier was appointed to take charge of Bafana Bafana’s coaching from Monday.

But after the reception from supporters and the response from his players, Somo looked in good form to change his mind. Sono would, however, not make any promises, but merely said that if South Africa needs him he will think about reconsidering.

“I’ll go home and consider the matter and make a decision tomorrow,” said Sono.

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