Head coach of Flamengo to coach South Africa's national team

BRASILIA, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Joel Santana, the head coach of Flamengo soccer club announced on Monday that he will be leaving his position in order to take command of the national soccer team of South Africa.

As soon as the final game of the Rio de Janeiro state tournament is over, the coach will leave town for South Africa. On the 4th of May is the final game of the state cup between Flamengoand Botafogo. Santana will fill the shoes of his fellow Brazilian, Carlos Perreira.

"He told me that he is going to win in 30 months what South Africa hasn't won in 30 years. It is a tough situation and we don't have a solution. The situation is based on our finances. Joel has a dream of coaching a national team in the World Cup. We can't do anything to keep him here. I've already spoken with the players and we will begin our search for the next coach as soon as the tournament is over," said the vice-president of Flamengo, Kleber Leite.

Joel Santana arrived at Flamengo for the fourth time late last year. After a slow start in the Brasileiro championship, he brought the team up to a third place finish and a spot in the Libertadores Cup.