So, Carlos Alberto Parreira has packed it in, and fellow South American, and well-known guitarist, Joel Santana (surely they must have him confused with his namesake, Carlos Santana?), will seemingly be taking his place as Bafana Bafana coach. For once, we don't agree with the brainstrust at Safa and we have compiled our own list of ten possible candidates to take over from Parreira for the 2010 World Cup.

Here they are:

(1) RUDOLF STRAUELI: Discipline is one issue that Bafana Bafana need to address and former Springbok coach, Rudolf 'Kamp Staaldraad' Straeuli, is one man that could sort out the likes of Benni McCarthy and Steve Pienaar. These okes won't be choosing club over country much longer...

(2) RAY JENNINGS: Another well-known disciplinarian, 'Jet' takes no nonsense from anybody and fitness (another Bafana bugbear) is a big issue for him. Recently, in his guise as SA Under-19 coach, Jennings nicknamed two unfit players 'Rubbish 1' and 'Rubbish 2' — could you imagine the likes of Old John Mabizela or Jabu 'Pule' Mahlangu answering to those names? Beautiful!

(3) BRYCE LAWRENCE: Durban's Public enemy number one... Like Straeuli and 'Jet', he does not tolerate any tomfoolery and, rightly or wrongly, he backs himself. All the time.

(4) NICK DURANDT: Safa are not the most organised bunch, but with well-known boxing manager Nick Durandt in charge he could market matches as well as coach the team. Look, let's not beat around the bush, crowds are dwindling, the soccer dished up by Bafana ain't too exciting — Durandt will fill the stadiums; win or lose!

(5) GARY PLAYER: The more he practised, the luckier he was... Bafana Bafana need luck and Gary Player seems to turn most things he touches into gold. Well, okay, not quite everything, but his inspirational message to Trevor Immelman — "keep your head up while putting" — had the golfing world in awe after the Masters.

(6) DIEGO MARADONA: Come to think of it, we can't think of a better role-model for our boys! He's South American (clearly an advantage when it comes to this job), he's emotional (just like Carlos) and he's high-profile enough to justify another ridiculous pay-cheque from Safa without getting too much stick from the press. Sure, he carries plenty of baggage with him, but, really, who doesn't these days?

(7) BUTANA KOMPHELA: You have to respect this guy — just over a year ago he was threatening to confiscate the Bokke's passports because the squad wasn't representative enough. Imagine what he will do if Bafana don't win under him — will he take away their passports? And what about making Bafana more of a representative side? Will there be a recall for Neil Tovey and Mark Fish? The prospects are endless!

(8) NORMAN ARENDSE: Another 'beaut' and another administrator that won't die trying. Look, this guy knows his cricket, so soccer — with just the off-side law to contend with — should be a cinch for him. He is quite a visionary selector too (remember the Langeveldt-Nel-Zondeki affair?) and not afraid to make the tough calls — no matter what the ramifications. He could be just what the doctor ordered!

(9) JAKE WHITE: What good is any list of possible coaches without mentioning one Jacob Westerduin — or Jake White as he is more commonly known? Why Jake you ask? Well, for starters, he has a very thick skin (wouldn't you after surviving four years in the Bok job?!), plus he knows how to win a World Cup. Also, he has been out of sport for a while and with most high-profile rugby jobs being snapped up around the world, he might be in the job market sooner rather than later.

(10) RICKY MARTIN: When it comes to Latin musicians, we have always preferred Ricky Martin over Carlos Santana — you know, the supposed new Bafana coach. As his smash hit, 'Livin' la Vida Loca' (Living the Crazy Life), explains, it is indeed a crazy ol' world and coaching Bafana Bafana is probably the craziest of them all.

  • Who would you choose from this list? Email us!

    Print this page
    Send this article to a friend
    RSS
    de.li.cious
    facebook