S. Africa coach Parreira resigns

Brazil's Carlos Alberto Parreira has resigned as coach of South Africa, the South African Football Association (SAFA) said yesterday. Parreira told a news conference that he and SAFA had come to an amicable decision that he will relinquish the post of...

Brazil's Carlos Alberto Parreira has resigned as coach of South Africa, the South African Football Association (SAFA) said yesterday.

Parreira told a news conference that he and SAFA had come to an amicable decision that he will relinquish the post of head coach from May 2.

"It was a very difficult decision to make but I need to dedicate more time to my family. I will remain available to ensure a smooth transition until the new coach is available and I am also available for consultation as a technical advisor," Parreira said.

Johannesburg's Sunday Times reported that his wife Leila was suffering from cancer. Parreira, who won the World Cup with Brazil in 1994, had been tasked with preparing South Africa for the 2010 World Cup, which the country is hosting.

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