Bafana star Dean Furman's double dilemma

More so even than other players in the PSL who have also been grounded as a result of the all-encompassing coronavirus scourge, SuperSport United and Bafana Bafana midfielder Dean Furman has been confronted by a double dilemma as he plans a return to the United Kingdom next season.

"Several overseas clubs with whom I have been holding talks regarding a contract," explained the calculating midfielder about his predicament, "have uniformly come back with the same response, namely that they need to see how the current season's headaches are resolved before they plan for next season."

Despite this, the 31-year-old Furman, who was born in Cape Town and moved to England with his family as a five-year-old, says there is presently no change to his planned departure from South Africa.

"This decision is due principally for family reasons," added Furman, "and I'm hopeful something will materialise in due course. In the meantime I'm hoping also that the current season is completed satisfactorily and I will be able to end five rewarding and successful years with SuperSport on a high note."

Furman, who started his career in England as a junior with Chelsea and had spells with Glasgow Rangers, Bradford City, Oldham Athletic and finally Doncaster Rovers before coming to South Africa, also expressed the desire to continue playing for Bafana - whom he has represented more than 50 times since making his international debut against Brazil in 2012.

And SuperSport CEO Stan Matthews, while confirming that Furman's present contract with the club expires at the end of the present season, added there would "always be a place for him with us if he does not complete negotiations with an overseas club.

"And," added Matthews pointedly, "If he stays in South Africa it will only be with SuperSport!"