SOUTH AFRICA: South Africa's new national soccer team coach Carlos Alberto Parreira arrives

South Africa's new national soccer team coach Carlos Alberto Parreira arrived on a scheduled flight from Sao Paulo, Brazil on Friday (September 1) on the eve of South Africa's Parreira visited the FNB Stadium where the South Africa soccer was busy training ahead of their opening game of the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) against Congo-Brazzaville at the ground, on Saturday (September 2). . Caretaker coach, Pitso Mosimane, welcomed South Africa's new coach and introduced him to the players. "It will take the pressure off us as well, we can focus on him and it's good, the coach is here and he wished us luck, we are happy to see him, he is a big coach, experienced of course, we know, no one has to ask his CV, and we are excited he is here," Mosimane said. The Brazilian, who won the 1994 World Cup with Brazil but was eliminated by France in the quarters finals at Germany 2006 will only speak to the media at news conference scheduled for Tuesday (September 5). Soccer fans are still divided following the appointment of Parreira who will be earning a salary of more than R1.8m a month ($ 250,000). Some say it is a waste of money as a local coach could have done a better job for a far lesser amount. Others believe his previous record warrants the salary, and his experience will help revive South African football. Parreira will effectively take up his employment on January 1 2007. Pitso Mosimane and Khabo Zondo will be in charge for the Congo game. Parreira will return to South Africa in October, one week before the Afcon qualifier against Zambia and will assist with preparations for the game. ENDS

ITN Source | September 2, 2006

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