POLOKWANE – But Safa president Kirsten Nematandani says the door will still be open for him to join the association.

Komphela, who lost out to Gordon Igesund as Bafana Bafana head coach, looks to have made his own decision by returning to the Free State.

The Ea Lla Koto coach was   an assistant coach at Bafana Bafana before Igesund took over the reins and was caretaker coach for Bafana’s matches against Botswana and Gabon.

 “I know Free State Stars also want  him as their coach,” said Nematandani during the Vodacom League play-offs at the Peter Mokaba Stadium yesterday.

“Right now he needs to weigh up his options. He needs to come in and say he’s more comfortable here or there.

“He remains an asset for the association and nation. So we will let him engage with his club and which ever way he goes, it will be fine. He has his options.

“Wherever he feels he’ll be more effective, then he will go there.  There is a need for  dialogue. And then we’ll take it from there,” Nematandani added.

However, Komphela said he spoke to Safa CEO Robin Petersen but nothing had come out of their discussions.

“I have a contract with Free State Stars,” Komphela said. “I have a lot of work to do with the team and I have gone to work with the team.

“I spoke to Robin Petersen, but time is not on my side because I have a lot of work to do. If it happens, it will happen when I am in the Free State.”

Meanwhile, with the  Vodacom sponsorship coming to an end this year, Nematandani said Safa will announce a new sponsor for the Vodacom League soon.

 “The process is ongoing, but we cannot disclose anything at the moment, not until we have put pen to paper,” Nematandani said. “We will certainly announce a sponsor soon because the league will start again in August. But I can tell you that the hunt is on.”

- In yesterday’s Vodacom Play-offs Maritzburg City and Morester Jeug drew 2-2, while Batau FC lost 3-2 to Soshanguve Sunshine FC.