Santana to lead South Africa 2010

April 22, 2008

Brazilian coach Joel Santana is set to fill the boots of compatriot Carlos Alberto Parriera by taking over as manager of the South African National Football Team for the 2010 World Cup Finals.

Parriera, who took over as coach in February 2007, stood down last week to spend time with his ill wife. Despite Manchester City coach Sven-Goran Eriksson being linked with the post, it now seems that 59-year-old Flamengo coach Santana will be the man to lead South Africa as they host the 2010 FIFA Finals.

“Joel is transferring to the South African national team after the final of the Carioca championship,” said Flamengo’s vice-president Kleber Leite.

Santana admitted his sadness at leaving Flamengo but is relishing the opportunity to coach in the World Cup Finals.

“These things happen once in a lifetime,” he said. “Quitting here is difficult. I’m heartbroken, but I am a professional.”

Leite added: “He (Santana) told that me that he will earn in 30 months more than he has earned in the last 30 years.

“His dream is to coach a national team at a World Cup.”

The appointment by the South Africa FA will surprise many as although Santana has a good track record in Brazil, he has little international experience although he has worked for club sides in Saudi Arabia and Japan.

It had been expected that South Africa would opt for a bigger name manager such as Eriksson to lead them to the 2010 World Cup Finals.

Parreira, whose resignation takes effect from 2 May, will continue as technical advisor, while his two assistant coaches - Jairo Leal and Pitso Mosimane - will remain part of the set-up.

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