Search for new Bafana coach is on

Raymond Hack says it is a blow to bafana but now it is time to 'say which way from here'

The chief executive of the South African Football Association (Safa) Raymond Hack has confirmed that the process to get a replacement for former Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Parreira has already started.

Hack says the search started last week Monday after Parreira notified them about his intentions to resign citing the ill health of his wife. The new man to take over the coaching reins will be announced in two weeks' time.

Brazilian and Flamengo coach Joel Santana is the front runner. Hack says they need time before making an announcement. “Carlos has identified certain coaches and we are in the process of finalising those things. There's a lot of things that have to happen - there are contractual aspects, there may be work permits, there may be contracts locally if its local coaches so once that has happened we will then do it."

Meanwhile Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena has supported the idea of allowing Parreira to recommend a coach to take over from him. He says although it is a serious setback, they have to find a way forward. “The main task now is to get somebody who will understand what's the foundation that Carlos laid so it can be easy for the players.”