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Cape Town - If media reports were to be believed, SAFA would already have hired more than five coaches to replace the dismissed Shakes Mashaba in what has emerged a crazy, hazy and topsy-turvy hiring process.
Indeed, SAFA, to their credit, have not made any pronouncement to the effect that any of the myriad of coaches that sections of the media have declared are already on the national body's payroll have signed on the dotted line.
And even the latest of the acclaimed "certainties" for the position by sections of the fourth estate who believe that facts should not get in the way of a good story, was only revealed by SuperSport United, Stuart Baxter's present employers.
SAFA, in fact, seemed a little reluctant while placed in a corner before confirming they were participating in negotiations with Baxter.
What is more, all the parties involved in the negotiations for what would be a second stint for the amiable Baxter as the Bafana coach, have emphasised there are a good number of issues to be ironed out at this point.
Topping the list of these matters, it would seem, is a demand from SuperSport of a R6m pay-out in lieu of terminating their contract with Baxter which has more than 15 months to run - and, what is more, grants the MultiChoice owned club the option to extend the relationship with their coach for a further period should they so wish.
One unconfirmed report suggested that Baxter's demand for a R1m monthly salary was another spanner in the works, but it has since been hotly denied by the coach's advisers, who insist this amount is a figment of the imagination.
The former Kaizer Chiefs coach also produced out of the hat an unexpected proviso that his son be appointed the Bafana goalkeeping coach should he become the overall supremo - something that might cause a measure of disagreement, but which in its own right is not likely to torpedo any deal.
The only factor, therefore, to emerge with certainty is that time is running out for SAFA in naming the Bafana coach, with a hectic and vital programme of World Cup, African Nations Cup and CHAN competition qualifying games looming ominously on the horizon.
In this respect, CEO Dennis Mumble, seemingly as an insurance should the Baxter deal not materialise, has declared "there are other coaches whom SAFA are also and considering."
And intriguingly, one can ponder over whether SuperSport's crushing 5-0 defeat against Mameldoi Sundowns last Thursday will either hasten the prospect of Baxter returning to the Bafana ranks - or lessen this prospect.
SuperSport might now be more conciliatory in setting out the conditions to waive their contractual rights to hold on to Baxter.
On the other hand, SAFA might be a little apprehensive about employing Baxter!
