Jose Valinhos has resigned as Free State Stars coach less than a month after being installed at the helm.

The Brazilian was apparently unhappy after the club's board analysed the 1-0 defeat against SuperSport and requested him to explain the reasons behind the loss.

Themba Sithole will be in charge of 'Ea Lla Koto' for the clash against Orlando Pirates, but it remains to be seen whether he will resume the managerial duties on a permanent basis.

Sithole revealed he could not comment on the situation as it is not 100 per cent clear at the moment.