Speculation is mounting that Carlos Alberto Parreira will be announced Bafana Bafana coach on Friday, after Joel Santana was forced to quit the squad on Monday.

It is understood Santana had no choice but to step down following the team's poor performance under Santana's 17 month-long leadership.

Santana's exit has left the door open for Parreira, who resigned last year to be with his ill wife.

Bafana collected eight defeats in the past nine matches and a shocking 85th position in the FIFA world rankings under Santana.

A year and half ago Santana became the 15th coach of Bafana Bafana in as many years.

Bafana's most successful coach, Clive Barker, has indicated that he would love to take over the struggling national team again.

Safa could name the 16th coach when their national executive meets on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Sports Ministry has refused to comment on the matter saying the decision to find a new coach is between the South African Football Association as the employer and Santana as the employee.

Minister Makhenkesi Stofile is expected to be briefed on the decision by the end of the week.

At the same time, ordinary South Africans have mixed reactions about Santana's departure.

"It really was not the best time for him to leave now."

"Bafana needs a local coach."

"I do not think he had enough time or has been given a chance."

Eyewitness News

RSS
Digg
de.li.cious
facebook
LATEST FEATURES
CC Team of the Week After a weekend of thrilling Currie Cup action, our selectors reveal their penultimate pick.
The Premiership so far (c) AFP iafrica.com's Tim Human takes stock of the English Premiership season and looks ahead.
Man or machine? Would Jenson Button have won the F1 title without Brawn? Have your say and you could be published!