فرشید نیکThe 60-year-old, who was in charge of Bafana between 2000 and 2002, will take up the post after Iran's campaign in Brazil this summer
EXCLUSIVE
By Ernest Makhaya
Former Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz is set to take over as South Africa head coach after the 2014 World Cup.
Quieroz, who led Bafana Bafana from 2000-2002 prior to two spells as Sir Alex Ferguson's No.2 at Old Trafford, has been Iran national team boss since 2011 and guided them to qualification for this summer's finals in Brazil.
However, a source within the South African Football Association (Safa) has told Goal that an agreement has been reached with Quieroz to take the reins of the national team, which will take effect from July this year.
It is understood Safa wanted Queiroz to take over immediately, but the 60-year-old was eager to oversee Iran's World Cup campaign prior to replacing Gordon Igesund.
"Carlos is coming back again to coach Bafana," the source told Goal. "However, his contract will be effective from July this year, because the coach has expressed his desire to finish his job with Iran before starting on a new slate.
"Remember, he helped Iran qualify for the World Cup in Brazil, and therefore it only makes sense that he join us afterwards.
"So, I don't think Gordon Igesund will be sacked. I think he will see his contract through."
Igesund - who led South Africa in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, the 2013 Cosafa Cup and the African Nations Championship at the beginning of this year - has not been offered fresh terms on his current deal, which expires in June.
Queiroz guided South Africa to the World Cup finals in 2002 before resigning prior to the tournament after differences with Safa, with local coach Jomo Sono leading the team in South Korea and Japan.
The Nampula-born boss, who led Real Madrid in the 2003-04 season and twice coached the Portugal national side, will oversee Iran's Group F campaign this summer against Argentina, Nigeria, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
