SAFA appoints Bafana Technical Team

The South African Football Association (SAFA) today (Tuesday, 10 July 2012) announced the Bafana Bafana technical team that would surround new Head Coach, Gordon Igesund, in his quest to take the South African Senior Men’s National Team to success in the Africa Cup of Nations 2013 and in qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2014.

The position of Bafana Bafana full-time Assistant Coach has gone to long-serving Supersport United Assistant Coach, Thomas Madigage. Madigage was Igesund’s first choice for the position, as he wanted to work with an assistant coach who has achieved great success in that position and who would complement his own style and strengths.

“There were many great candidates that I considered,” said Igesund, “but I am delighted that Tommy has accepted this position, and I look forward to working with him with immediate effect.”

SAFA CEO, Dr Robin Petersen, thanked Supersport United for their willingness to release Madigage at short notice for national duty.

“We are grateful to the club for allowing us to take Tommy into our National team structures. We realize that this has a negative impact on them, but we applaud them for allowing us to put the country first,” said Dr Petersen.

Other key appointments to the Technical team are as follows:

Mr Serame Letsoaka – Second Assistant Coach (for national team camps)

Mr Alex Heredia – Goalkeeper Coach

Mr Zak van Heerden – Physiologist/Physical Trainer

Dr Carl Tabane – Team Doctor

Mr Godfrey Sepuru – Physiotherapist

Mr Thabiso Moshane – Masseur

Video Analysts – AMISCO

Chairman of the SAFA Technical Committee, Mr Fanyana Sibanyoni, also announced that the Bafana Bafana’s Head Coach had requested that a Reference Group, consisting of Mr Jomo Sono, Mr Clive Barker and Mr Shakes Mashaba, be appointed by the Association to provide input and support.

“We are delighted with this ‘brains trust’,” said Mr Sibanyoni. “They will assist the coach as needed by him. Gordon recommended this panel to us, and we are convinced that this panel will provide him with the necessary support he needs in getting the best out of the team.”

President of SAFA, Mr Kirsten Nematandani, expressed his delight at the finalization of the technical team.

“Now that the Coach has concluded this critical matter in line with his preferred choices, we pledge the Association’s full support to him and his team as they undertake this exciting and challenging journey. We ask the nation to rally around them and carry them to anticipated success.”