New Bafana Bafana coach appointed: report
The South African Soccer Federation (SAFA) is refusing to confirm or deny reports that Dutchman Ruud Krol has been appointed as the new Bafana Bafana coach.
SAFA Communications Manager Dominic Chimhavi, contacted in Ethiopia, where he is attending the CAF elections, offered a discreet 'no comment' in reaction to a website’s 'exclusive' on Wednesday claiming that Krol had secured the job.
Speculation has been rife and various candidates’ names had have been bandied about in recent months since the post became vacant in December following Shakes Mashaba’s dismissal as head coach.
Mashaba is still embroiled in an unfair dismissal suite against his former employers which is in the arbitration process with the CCMA and appears to be the major reason why SAFA have dragged their heels with the appointment and unveiling of Mashaba's successor.
According to the Mail & Guardian website, former Dutch captain Krol, who has an extensive knowledge of African football had agreed to terms and conditions with SAFA to take charge of Bafana. The report indicates that Krol is available to assume his duties immediately.
There had been strong links to former Bafana mentor Carlos Queiroz as well as Moroccan coach Herve Renard, while Cameroon coach Hugo Broos and SuperSport United boss Stuart Baxter were also reported to be in the mix. But it appears due to contractual and other hurdles, SAFA has failed to land their preferred candidate.
Caretaker coach Owen da Gama will take charge of the squad for two up-coming international assignments against Guinea Bissau and Angola.
Krol spent three years at Orlando Pirates and led the club to one of their most successful stints in recent years.
The Dutchman led the Buccaneers to a PSL title as well as MTN8 and Nedbank Cup success during his tenure, but despite his accomplishments, his contract was never renewed by the Soweto club.
Krol was even linked to Kaizer Chiefs as a possible successor to incumbent Steve Komphela recently as well as a possible return to Pirates following the resignation by TV of Mushin Ertugral.
The unheralded Swede Kjell Jonevret eventually got the nod for the Pirates job.
South Africa’s next official international assignments are back-to-back 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Cape Verde in August and September.
ALSO READ: Shakes Mashaba shown the door