Monday, October 19, 2009

Santana steps down from SA post

Joel Santana
Santana managed 10 wins in 27 months during his 18-month spell

South Africa coach Joel Santana has resigned eight months before the start of the World Cup after a run of eight defeats from their last nine games.

Santana's departure had been expected after defeats in friendly matches in Norway and Iceland last week.

"It's true he has resigned," said South Africa Football Association chief executive Raymond Hack. "It's by mutual consent, he was not fired."

The 60-year-old Santana was South Africa's 15th coach in as many years.

The Brazilian was appointed in April 2008 after replacing countryman Carlos Alberto Parreira, who resigned because of his wife's ill health but is now tipped to return.

Santana's assistants, Pitso Mosimane and Jairo Leal, will take charge of South Africa for their friendly matches against Japan on 14 November and against Jamaica on 17 November.

The SAFA are due to discuss the vacant position at a meeting on Friday.

The 2010 World Cup finals run from 11 June to 11 July.

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