Santana begins 2010 South Africa role

May 20, 2008

New South Africa coach Joel Santana faced the media for the first time on Monday to outline his plans for the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosts. The Brazilian, speaking at a press conference at SAFA House in Joahnnesburg, is optimistic about the future of the South African national side. “Which coach would not want to coach the South African team, a country that is due to host the World Cup,” said Santana. He added that “This is not a challenge, it is a gift. ”

Santana is an unpopular choice with the South African media who point to his lack of international experience, despite his impressive track record with Brazilian clubs. He dismissed concerns about his suitability to the job, commenting on his time as a player with Vasco da Gama and his 25 years as a coach. I did not parachute into football”, he said.

Santana is no stranger to pressure having left Flamengo to take up the role in charge of the 2010 World Cup hosts - a side with a huge following of no less than 32 million.

Santana praised the current level of African football, claiming that “the quality of African football is very high, and this is why I came to South Africa.” He clearly believes he has a good basis to work with and that if they “are able to tactically and technically get the best out the players, there is the potential to have an excellent World Cup”.

On Wednesday, Santana will announce the squad who will face Nigeria on 1 June in their first match on the road to the 2010 finals. He reassured the South African public that “You will get to know me through my hard work and I will do it with honesty and discipline.”

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