Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund will lead the national team until 2018, according to the South African Football Association.
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SAFA had set a mandate that Igesund lead the team to the semi-finals of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, but unfortunately the hosts were knocked out at the quarter-final stage by Mali.
Tokelo Rantie scored in the 31st minute for Bafana but Mali Captain Seydou Keita sent the game in to extra-time and a penalty shoot-out with his 57th minute equaliser.
Under Igesund the national side played a flowing, attacking game that attracted the crowds and gave the nation hope. And with them being knocked out, fears about Igesund's departure flourished.
However, the speculation was quelled by SAFA president Kirsten Nematandani at a press conference in Johannesburg on Monday.
"Yes, we did set the objective for the coach of taking the team to the semi-final stage, but you have to aim high," Nematandani said. "More important was the manner in which Bafana performed in the AFCON, improving to a level that exceeded our expectations since Gordon took over as coach six months ago.
"And if this level of performance is maintained, there is no reason why Igesund should not be entrenched as the Bafana coach for the 2018 World Cup.
"I believe Igesund remains the best man in the country for the position of Bafana coach. We can only hope this continues as Gordon assumes the next critical challenge of taking Bafana to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil."
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