Carlos Alberto Parreira has resigned as South Africa coach after just 16 months in charge.
The Brazilian and leaders of the country’s FA announced the resignation at a news conference on Monday.
Parreira says he wants to return home to be with his wife Leila who is ill after a recent major surgery.
He said: “My family needs me, especially my wife needs me to be near her. After 36 years of marriage, I can’t say no.”
Parreira will continue as technical advisor, and his two assistant coaches – Jairo Leal and Pitso Mosimane – will remain.
Parreira said he would help officials find a new coach tasked with building South Africa into a credible force for the 2010 World Cup.
South Africa won nine matches, drew six and lost six since Parreira took over in February last year.
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