By DPA
Rio de Janeiro : Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has said that his compatriot Joel Santana will replace him at the helm of the South African national team. Football authorities have not confirmed the signing.
In a telephone interview with the Brazilian sports website GloboEsporte.com, Parreira – who is to remain an advisor to South African officials despite his resignation for personal reasons Monday – said he is convinced that Santana is to replace him on the job.
“I think it will be Joel. He was called, he already talked to the (South African) federation and he showed an interest in reaching an agreement,” said Parreira.
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Striker Schlaudraff leaves Bayern for Hanover
Hanover: Bayern Munich striker Jan Schlaudraff has completed a move to fellow Bundesliga club Hanover for around $4 million. He has signed a four-year contract with Hanover and rejoins coach Dieter Hecking with whom he worked at Aachen, the club has confirmed.
Schlaudraff had moved to Bayern from Alemannia Aachen last summer but was never able to force his way into the side, where Luca Toni, Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski were preferred. “I am convinced Hanover have good prospects for the next few years and I hope I can develop further under Hecking,” said Schlaudraff, 24, who has won three caps for Germany.
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Schalke set to unveil new coach
Gelsenkirchen (Germany): German club Schalke 04 are to unveil their new coach. Dutchman Fred Rutten has been tipped to succeed Mirko Slomka who was sacked 10 days ago.
The club has declined to confirm the appointment of Rutten, saying a press conference Wednesday morning would be attended by club chairman Josef Schnusenberg and general manager Andreas Mueller. According to German media report, Schalke have lined up Rutten, 45, presently with Dutch side Twente Enschede, for next season.
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Arsenal’s Hleb charged over Murty ‘slap’
London: Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association over a clash with Reading’s Graeme Murty. The incident happened off the ball during Arsenal’s 2-0 Premier League victory.
Hleb appeared to thrust an open hand into Murty’s face, but referee Peter Walton missed the incident. Having reviewed the incident on television, Walton and the FA have decided to charge Hleb. He could be facing a three-game ban.
“Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb has been charged with violent conduct. Hleb was involved in an incident with Reading defender Graeme Murty during the second half of the match at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday April 19,” an FA statement said.
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Everton tie up Pienaar signing
London: Everton agreed a deal to sign midfielder Steven Pienaar, and will make permanent his loan signing at the end of the season. Everton had an option to sign the South African for $4.1 million provided they paid before the end of the season.
Pienaar had expressed concerns about how long it was taking for them agree to do that, but manager David Moyes insisted the club was not to blame.
“The deal, as far as I am concerned, has been agreed. It seems the problem lies with the agent’s fee,” he said. Pienaar has agreed a three-year deal, leaving Moyes to decide whether to take up an option on another on-loan midfielder, Manuel Fernandes.