Santana replaces Parreira as South Africa coach

Brazilian Carlos Alberto Parreira resigned as coach of 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa for personal reasons on Monday and was set to be replaced by compatriot Joel Santana.

Brazilian club Flamengo, where Santana currently coaches, said the 59-year-old had accepted an offer to step in for Parreira and coach a national side for the first time in his career.

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

"He told me that in 30 months he will earn more than he has earned in the last 30 years. His dream is to coach a World Cup team."

Santana is recognised as a journeyman professional with a good track record in Brazil but little international experience, apart from brief stints with clubs in Saudi Arabia and Japan.

He told reporters at Flamengo's training camp in the mountain retreat of Teresopolis: "I'm happy that I'm being recognised outside. It shows that my work is not all that bad."

Parreira told a news conference in South Africa that he and the South African Football Association (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," he said.

"I will remain available to ensure a smooth transition."