Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said Tuesday that his compatriot Joel Santana will replace him at the helm of the South African national team, although football authorities in the 2010 World Cup host country have not confirmed the signing. ( dpa )
In a telephone interview with the Brazilian sports website GloboEsporte.com, Parreira - who is to remain an advisor to South African officials despite his resignation for personal reasons Monday - said he is convinced that Santana is to replace him on the job.
"I think it will be Joel. He was called, he already talked to the (South African) federation and he showed an interest in reaching an agreement," said Parreira.
Officials at Santana's current club, the Brazilian giant Flamengo, consider certain his departure to coach South Africa, and were puzzled that that country's football officials had not made the designation official.
"Santana told me and (vice president) Kleber (Leite) yesterday (Monday) that he had made come to a complete agreement Sunday," Flamengo president Marcio Braga said.