Norwich star a wanted man

South Africa coach Gordon Igesund hopes to persuade Norwich star Andrew Surman to play for him at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Johannesburg-born midfielder has represented England at under-21 level in the past but qualifies for the South Africa senior team under the regulations of world governing body Fifa. Surman, 26, rejected approaches from Igesund's predecessors, Carlos Alberto Parreira and Pitso Mosimane. But Igesund told BBC Sport: "I want to see what his situation is now because I think he would add a lot of value to our team." The Canaries star would miss a big chunk of the Premier League season if he were to go to the finals, which are being held in South Africa from January 19 to February 10, 2013. Last month, he said: "I haven't ruled it out, but it is just at this moment in time I don't think it's something I need in my life, though it was a great honour to be approached. "I think it would be a lot, especially with the African Nations Cup, to be travelling around the world." Igesund will travel to England to speak with Surman and has not given up hope of convincing him to join up with Bafana Bafana - particularly now he has a void to fill after Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar recently retired from international football. "I believe the previous coach spoke to him (Surman) on the phone but he didn't go to see him so we need to find out what his plans are," said Igesund. "I'm not sure if his scenario has changed but it would be nice. "We have the Nations Cup on home soil coming up so it would be a great opportunity for him. We'll have a chat and see want his intentions are."