Igesund's job on line, but a team overhaul needed

GORDON Igesund, in his infinite wisdom, restored some faith in his team with its win against the Australian soccer team, despite the vulnerability of the players at his disposal. We've been cautioned not to praise mediocre results, as this often preserves deception, but the draw away with Australia under difficult preparations is an absolutely fair result for Igesund's team.

The coach is often cast as the scapegoat for team flaws, in theory, but reality is more complex. He's been forced to cope with a staggering number of injuries, but still finds the way to put the team together.

It's undeniable that the team has lost its identity and, with it, its cutting edge. Igesund's entire time as Bafana coach has been overshadowed by Bafana supporters yearning for his departure because of his torrid reputation with the national team, supporters really more concerned about the coaching job than the team performance – disappointing.

Igesund's predecessors tried and failed to fathom the Bafana mess prior to his taking over. No constant tinkering with its formation developed any kind of identity on the field.

We lament the lack of development as behind the team's disastrous performance. Igesund is perceived as pragmatic, a coach with a great reputation on our shores but has never been able to inspire his team with its lack of flair and imagination.

But he has laid a formidable foundation with the current generation for the future. Those who refused to honour their call-ups have embarrassed the nation.

Their unpatriotic attitude is a disgrace. It doesn't matter how big you are (how wealthy), no-one is bigger than the game. Igesund has seen himself catapulted into the spotlight for these players are forcing him to the exit door.

We have been obsessed with the coach. Igesund has dismally failed the mandate.

His future might be the main focus now, but the team requires wholesale changes (an overhaul) to be ready to compete with the best.

Wandile Mtana, Uitenhage