South Africa to Name Coach for Eagles Clash Next Week

The South African Football Association (SAFA) announced yesterday that it has finalised an agreement with the successful candidate to take over as Bafana Bafana head coach and is in the process of formalising the legal arrangements by exchanging signatures.

The developments bring to a close a thorough, but lengthy process of seeking a replacement for former coach Shakes Mashaba, who was fired a few months ago.

The association said it is mindful that the South African public has been waiting with bated breath for this matter to be concluded.

SuperSport United coach Stuart Baxter is believed to be the coach SAFA has been in talk with for a possible return to the Bafana Bafana job.

Baxter was previously in charge of the national team from May 2004 to November 2005, when he was sacked after failing to qualify for the 2006 World Cup.

Mashaba was relieved of his duties in November last year, with Owen da Gama having since been appointed on an interim basis.

Baxter’s agent, Steve Kapulschnik, confirmed last month they had been in contact with SAFA regarding the Bafana job, while Matsatsantsa issued a statement to announce they had given the Englishman the green light to open negotiations.

“SuperSport United FC has given permission to SAFA to engage their head coach Stuart Baxter with a view to him becoming the head coach of Bafana Bafana,” read the statement from the South African Premiership club.

“If negotiations between SAFA and Mr Baxter are successful, and SuperSport United and SAFA agree on an early termination of Mr. Baxter’s current contract, such appointment would only be effective at the end of the current PSL season, officially commencing July 12017,” read statement from SuperSport.