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SAFA calms Keshi talks

Johannesburg - Despite worldwide reports stating that the South African Football Association (SAFA) has reached a two-year agreement with the Nigerian national team coach, Stephen Keshi, the country’s football governing body spokesperson Dominic Chimhavi claimed the reports are pure speculation.

Keshi is currently in Brazil with the Super Eagles who are taking part in the 2014 Soccer World Cup.

The 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) winning coach has been rumoured to be on his way out when his contract with the Super Eagles elapses after the global spectacle.

The 52-year-old coach is amongst the shortlisted candidates to succeed Gordon Igesund at the helm of Bafana Bafana alongside. Notable other candidates include Carlos Queiroz, former Zambian coach Herve Renard, Roberto Carlos, Shakes Mashaba and Fabio Cannavaro.

Speaking exclusively to Sport24 on Monday, Chimhavi said SAFA is not discussing anything on the vacant coaching position until the end of the Soccer World Cup.

He also revealed that SAFA will have an Annual General Meeting (AGM) next month where president Danny Jordaan and his national executive committee will have to discuss the way forward regarding the national team.

“Like I said, everything has been put on hold until July,” Chimhavi told Sport24.

“That also includes the vacant Bafana Bafana coaching position.

“The president of SAFA and the NEC will make a decision after the World Cup.

“Soon after the World Cup, there would be an AGM (Annual General Meeting).

“A few things will be discussed then.

“But I am not sure on the exact dates when the coaching position will be discussed.”

As far as Keshi and Bafana’s appointment is concerned, Chimhavi later wrote on his Twitter account that it is just a pure speculation.

“Keshi story coming out of Nigeria and that he has signed a two-year contract is pure speculation.

“There is no shred of truth in the article,” he concluded

Whoever gets appointed by SAFA next month will be tasked with a difficult mandate of guiding the national team to the 2015 AFCON to be staged in Morocco.

Bafana have been drawn against hoodoo rivals, Nigeria and Sudan.

Only the winner of the group will gain automatic qualification to the 30th edition of the continental showpiece.

It remains to be seen who will take over the country’s football hot seat.
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