The Emergency Committee of the South African Football Association met today (17 April 2014) to consider a report of the Task Team comprising Messrs N Arendse (SC), Mr Xolile Nkompela, Mr Abel Rakoma, Mr Mahomed Mubarak and Mr Andile Ndengezi that was established by the NEC to investigate the following allegations against the Head Coach of the South African Men’s Senior National Team, Mr Gordon Igesund.
A. Allegations Against the Head Coach
i. That he allegedly instigated some or all players of the Men’s Senior National Team to demand bonuses during the CHAN 2014.
ii. That player agents have undue influence over the selection of players for matches of the MSNT.
B. Task Team’s Findings
i. On the basis of evidence and information received, the Task Team found that there is no basis to substantiate the allegation that the Head Coach instigated some or all players of the Men’s Senior National Team to demand bonuses during the CHAN 2014.
ii. On the basis of evidence and information received, the Task Team found that there is no basis for the allegation that player agents have undue influence over the selection of players for matches of the MSNT
iii. The Task Team has found the two allegations made against the Head Coach had no substance whatsoever
C. Recommendations of the Task Team
The Emergency Committee unanimously endorsed the findings of the Task Team as well as the following recommendations of the Task Team that:
i. The Association should establish clear policies and protocols on matters related to selection, contracts, bonuses, medical reports, contractual / financial and all other matter affecting players.
ii. The roles of the Team Manager, Head Coach and Head of Delegation must be clearly spelt out in writing.
iii. The Head Coach ought not to have a Player Agent as his own agent
iv. Player Agents must not be allowed in the Team hotel prior to and during matches of the National Teams
v. There must be clear protocols around the security of the Team in order to maintain the integrity of the Head Coach, Technical Staff and the Players.
vi. The Technical Committee will be requested to develop a process and criteria for the selection of players for the Men’s Senior National Team.
The Emergency Committee expressed a concern that some of the individuals who were identified as persons of interest in the matter ahead of the sittings of the Task Team did not avail themselves for hearings of the Task Team in spite of being invited to do so.
The Emergency Committee hereby expresses its gratitude to the Task Team and individuals who appeared before it.