Igesund bounces back as Freese is axed

19 October 2016 - 09:53 By Khanyiso Tshwaku
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When Benjamin Franklin - renowned author, political theorist and co-founding father of the US - said there were only two things certain in life: death and taxes, he should have added the third, the certainty of South African soccer coaches' uncertain future.

The coaching merry-go-round in the PSL claimed another casualty of the season yesterday morning when, in a shock move, newly promoted Highlands Park gave mentor Allan Freese the chop and replaced him with former Manning Rangers, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund.

If Highlands Park had a rank bad start to the season like Maritzburg United had last season, Freese's sacking would perhaps have been understandable.

Although they were played off the park by Supersport United at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday, they were highly competent.

Whether Freese's axing was a rational decision will be tested when they face Chippa United in a Telkom Knockout Cup last-16 clash at the Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa, East Rand, on Friday night.

Though Igesund's career has come full circle with the club he once represented as a player, he is under no illusions about how difficult his task will be.

"There's not much time in football and coaches are aware of that. But you have to start by crawling before you think of walking," Igesund said.

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