Igesund named South Africa coach

Gordon Igesund has been named coach of South Africa after being handed a two-year contract to replace Pitso Mosimane. South Africa are currently ranked 15th in Africa after draws against Ethiopia and Botswana in 2014 FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers this month, and the first result cost Mosimane his job. The 56-year-old Igesund played professionally in Austria and has won the South African Premiership with a record four clubs. He took Moroka Swallows to second place behind Orlando Pirates last season. "At the end of the day it was an unanimous decision and we think the final verdict was in the best interest of the nation," South African Football Association president Kirsten Nematandani said. "I ask the media and the public to support him in upcoming friendlies away to Brazil and Poland." South Africa play five-time world champions Brazil in Sao Paulo on 7 September and UEFA EURO 2012 co-hosts Poland the following month in what promises to be a challenging start for Igesund.