21/04/2008 22:11

That was confirmed on Monday by Safa chief executive officer, Raymond Hack in the wake of the resignation of Brazilian Carlos Alberto Parreira.

Hack said: "We need to get the new coach in place as soon as possible. We are expecting a lot of applications for the job but will move fast on appointing a new coach in view of the forthcoming 2010 African Nations Cup qualifiers which are just around the corner."

Safa president Molefi Oliphant said he was "shocked" when Parreira told him earlier this month that he wanted to end his contract which runs until after the 2010 World Cup finals.

Parreira was the 14th coach to take charge of the ailing Bafana since South Africa was re-admitted back into world football in 1992.

Parreira's two assistants fellow Brazilian Jairo Leal and South Africa born Pitso Mosimane will continue to coach the side until Parreira's successor has been named.

Parreira who won the 1994 World Cup with Brazil in the United States cited family reasons for quitting. His wife is ill with cancer. But Safa knew this when he was appointed in February last year.

Conservative approach

But his surprise resignation leaves more questions than answers. He claimed to have laid a foundation and said that Bafana had the capacity to do well at the 2010 World Cup finals which will be hosted in South Africa.

Parreira was criticised by his conservative approach especially with the blooding of young players.

Both Safa and Parreira were at pains to stress that the break-up of the relationship was amicable.

But there is no doubting that whoever takes over has a huge task on his hands.

Hack also stated that at no time in their 15 month relationship was there "any conflict" between Safa and their head coach.

Parreira said he was delighted that Leal had decided to stay on with local born Mosimane: "Leal is the best assistant coach I have ever worked with. This is a big plus for South African soccer." But it appears that Leal is not keen to step up and become a head coach.

Parreira said he had agreed to Safa request that he remain as a technical adviser and help find a replacement.

Said Parreira: "I agreed on condition I do not get another coaching job in Brazil. Then I would not be able to help Safa. But in the meantime I will stay on and help until a new coach is in place."

Parreira in his letter of resignation wanted to leave on May 2.

Oliphant did not answer directly when asked if the new coach could expect a R1.8m per month salary that Parreira earned.

The Safa president denied there was a crisis in SA soccer.

He wants the new coach to continue with Parreira's vision and philosophy.

"Parreira did a wonderful job rebuilding Bafana and we want this to continue beyond 2010 that is why we glad that both Leal and Mosimane are staying on board."

Parreira said that he was hoping to become the first coach to work at eight Word Cup finals.

"But," he added" I am need by my family in Brazil. Of my 40 years in coaching, 19 have been away from home and I fee now I need to spend more time at home."