Bafana Bafana
Komphela: No guarantees
2012-06-14 07:50
Johannesburg -
Steve Komphela feels the outcome of Bafana Bafana's friendly
against Gabon on Friday will not have any bearing on whether he is
appointed as coach on a full-time basis.
The Free State Stars tactician was handed the national team reins
on an interim basis following the sacking of Pitso Mosimane last month.
However, Komphela is in no way guaranteed the job, with Gordon
Igesund, Gavin Hunt, Neil Tovey and Shakes Mashaba all being considered
by the South African Football Association.
Komphela has already led Bafana to two 1-1 draw against Botswana in their 2014 Soccer World Cup qualifier, and
will again lead the side out at the Mbombela Stadium for their
international friendly on Friday evening.
However, he feels SAFA will be looking at more than the just the
team's current run of results when considering the candidates for the
hotseat.
"I was asked the same question after our draw with Botswana and I
am still saying that the outcome of our match against Gabon will not
determine whether I can get the job or not," Komphela told The New Age.
"The nation deserves better. We have to bring back the passion
and commitment and my players are aware that representing the nation is
of paramount importance."
Komphela has already sent captain Steven Pienaar, sKatlego
Mphela, Oupa Manyisa and Thanduyise Khuboni home from Bafana's training
camp, but the coach says those decisions have nothing to do with SA's
recent results.
He added: "We are left with one match, having played two already.
Initially we called up a big squad because we had three back-to-back
clashes and wanted to have cover in case of injuries.
"We have seen what the five we released can do, now this is a chance to have a look at others."