World Cup hosts S. Africa fire coach Santana

South Africa have fired coach Joel Santana just under eight months before the country hosts the 2010 World Cup finals, officials said yesterday.

The departure of the 60-year-old Brazilian comes after a run of eight losses from their last nine games.

"Mr Santana is no longer coach of the senior national team," Raymond Hack, South African Football Association CEO, told Reuters.

Santana's departure had been widely expected after defeats last week in friendly matches in Norway and Iceland.

A statement from the South African Football Association said an immediate termination of Santana's service had been agreed after a meeting with him yesterday.

Santana was South Africa's 15th coach in as many years and in an 18-month spell he had 27 matches in charge, 14 of which were lost.

There were 10 wins and three draws.

The removal of Santana could open the door for a return of compatriot Carlos Alberto Parreira, who had to resign in 2008 when his wife fell ill.