Igesund's request to leave stuns Buccaneers

Orlando Pirates managing director Irvin Khoza on Tuesday night expressed disappointment at the decision of coach Gordon Igesund to resign from the club.

Khoza said on Tuesday night that Igesund handed him a letter requesting to be released from his two-year contract "because of personal reasons".

Pirates board of directors will meet on Wednesday to consider the request.

"This has come as a shock to us," said Khoza. "We already had big plans for the new season, particularly with our aim of winning the African Champions League.

"We held a meeting at the University of Pretoria only last week with 15 members of the club's technical and medical staff, planning for the new season. I am obviously disappointed at the turn of events."

There has been speculation that Igesund was no longer keen to see out his contract and has been linked to various clubs including Bob Save Super Bowl champions Santos.

Khoza said he could not disclose the contents of Igesund's letter until after the club's board had discussed the matter.

Igesund confirmed his decision to quit.

"I have requested to be released from my contract," said Igesund. "But I cannot disclose the reasons because they are personal.

"However, I will wait for their decision. If they release me, then I can only be in a position to disclose why I requested to be released. But if my request is declined, it means then I will serve the remaining year of the contract."

Pirates paid Manning Rangers a substantial amount to buy out Igesund's contract from Manning Rangers before the start of last season. However, Khoza did not indicate whether or not the club would seek compensation from whichever club Igesund decides to join if he is released from his contract.

The Bucs boss announced that Igesund's deputy Harris Choeu and head of the youth development Augusto Palacios will be in charge of the team until the problem has been sorted out.