Gordon Igesund is the most successful coach in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), having won four league titles with as many teams.
But he faces one of his biggest challenges when he leads newly promoted Maritzburg United back into the promised land of the Absa Premiership in 10 days when they play runners-up Ajax Cape Town in the opening fixture of the new season.
The match takes place at the Athlone Stadium next Wednesday night.
Said Igesund: ”I do not have a magic wand nor have the ability to create miracles; the people here know that. But I am building something special at United. I am aiming at a middle-of-the-table finish by the end of the season, or just maybe a top-eight finish. One thing for sure, we won’t be fighting relegation.”
Igesund was handicapped when the promotion play-offs were delayed due to a disciplinary hearing involving a bribery scandal around National First Division (NFD) Inland Stream champions FC AK.
United, who won the NFD Coastal Stream, eventually beat FC AK to clinch their place in the elite Premiership.
United chairperson Farouk Kadodia pulled of a master stroke when he convinced Igesund to take charge of his fledging side.
Igesund wasted no time and has brought in 12 new players, including veteran Orlando Pirates striker Manual ”Tico Tico” Bucuane, who is also the Mozambique skipper, and two players from champions SuperSport United in midfielders Tony Tsabedze, the flying Swaziland international winger, and Sam Ndlovu.
On Wednesday he completed the signing of Mamelodi Sundowns defender Elias Ngwepe. Also on board is former Thanda Royal Zulu captain Tshepo ”Shoes” Mashishi.
Igesund said he struggled to get more quality players. ”We started our pre-season six weeks behind the other PSL clubs due to the promotion play-offs kicking off late. By the time United clinched promotion all the top players were snapped up.
”I had my work cut out scouting and dealing with over 100 triallists that arrived from all over the country and Africa. But I am not complaining. I believe I can succeed with United and eventually put them firmly on to the PSL map.”
Igesund also signed up a promising goalkeeper from the United States in Hunter Gilstrap, and a centre forward from Raja Casablanca, Bryce Aka.
Said Igesund: ”I have battled getting the right players but I believe I have made some shrewd signings. We will definitely be competitive this season.”
Igesund has also given former Kaizer Chiefs bad boy Junior Khanye a second chance and brought in tough-as-teak Congolese defender Dikilu Begeta from his old club, Ajax Cape Town.
”Begeta, Mashishi and Ngwepe give me experience at the back,” he said. ”Watch out for Aka, who is a class striker. ”
He also has players such as Fadlu Davids and Peter Petersen, who helped United win promotion.
Said Igesund: ”I am not saying we can win something in our first season. But we are going to surprise a few teams. I am looking at the bigger picture of putting Maritzburg United on the map.”
He said the biggest headache was getting his combinations right and getting the players used to working with each other.
”Today [Wednesday] is the first time I have had all my players at training together. I will not be making any more signings. But with the spirit so high and the excellent back-up I get from management, we are determined to hold our own.”
Igesund won his league titles with Manning Rangers, Santos, Pirates and Sundowns. — Sapa