The meeting was attended by Safa Management Committee members, the PSL Executive Committee members and Bafana technical team led by head coach Carlos Alberto Parreira.
Parreira made a comprehensive presentation that encompassed his plan for next year’s Confederation Cup, the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola and the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
The Football leadership has resolved to put their weight behind the team, with a specific focus on challenges facing the national team in relation to fixtures scheduled outside the Fifa dates, and a possible league fixture adjustment for the 2008/2009 season and the 2009/2010 season.
Oliphant said the meeting was crucial to set the tone for future meetings with stakeholders, like sponsors, other commercial partners and the broader football family.
“Today’s joint sitting of football will lead the process of engaging friends and partners of football in rallying around the team, as we prepare a competitive national side that will represent the country with pride in the coming tournaments.”
Future discussions will focus around the following:
- Mini camps for Bafana Bafana;
- Bafana friendly matches outside the Fifa dates;
- Duration for assembling Bafana prior to the Confederations Cup;
- Duration for assembling Bafana prior to the World Cup
- To review the PSL’s 2009/2010 season; and,
Crafting a coordinated fitness programme for clubs spearheaded by a Bafana physical trainer.
In the meantime, PSL Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza says preparing the team for the World Cup is a huge challenge that needs a collective effort.
“We are mindful of the fixture challenge facing the coach in his planning, hence our resolve to engage all our stakeholders, especially the sponsors to find a solution for the best preparation of the team,” said Dr Khoza.
