Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund blew his top yesterday when it was put to him that his employers expected him to win the African Nations Championship early next year.
Safa vice-president Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana said at the weekend that Igesund was tasked with winning the Chan - a non-Fifa tournament for local-based players. The tournament is to be held here from January 11 to February 1.
Bafana, having qualified as hosts, are in Group A with Mali, Nigeria and Mozambique. Each participating team will have to do without their European contingent.
But Safa president Danny Jordaan has contradicted his deputy, saying mandates for all national coaches were yet to be discussed.
Igesund hit out at Nonkonyana for suggesting the coach "should do the honourable thing" if Bafana do not win the competition.
"It's absolute nonsense," said Igesund, minutes after returning from Agadir, where Bafana held Morocco to a 1-1 draw on Friday night in an international friendly.
"I don't know where he gets that. I've got no mandates at this moment. I have a contract with Safa until [July] 2014.
"I had two mandates when I took on the job - to reach the semifinals of the Africa Cup of Nations and to get the team to the World Cup in Brazil. But I did not achieve those, and Safa seem to enjoy the work I do because I still have a contract until next year. I am not prepared to discuss any mandates."
Igesund could not commit to a target for the Chan yesterday because he has still to get confirmation on which Premier League players will be available.
The PSL has not completely made room for the tournament, having scheduled matches during the Chan knockout stages.
"We are in a tough group, but after our game against Morocco I now have a clearer idea of where we are going moving forward.
"A lot could still change because I still have to sit down with [Safa CEO] Dennis Mumble to discuss which players are available. I want the best players locally to take part. This is a serious tournament."
The coach said he would not get into a "bun fight" with PSL clubs to release players in January, though.
He also confirmed that Bafana would use the Fifa dates next month to schedule friendly matches against African opposition to prepare for the Chan.
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