By Sean Chaffin, Editor/Senior Writer

Last Updated: October 20, 2009; 8:30 pm CT

With the World Cup approaching in 2010 and its national soccer team reeling, South Africa’s Brazilian coach Joel Santana resigned from the squad on Monday after 18 months on the job.

In June, the South Africans reached the quarterfinals of the Confederations Cup, held in their home country. However, in recent months the team has been struggling, losing eight of its last nine matches. Santana (pictured at left) played futebol professionally in Brazil throughout the ‘70s and began his coaching career after retirement in 1980. He has coached clubs in Brazil, United Arab Emirates, and Japan.

Former coach and fellow Brazilian Carlos Alberto Parreira is rumored to be returning to coach the South African team, according to ESPN. Parreira recommended Santana to the South African Football Association after leaving the squad himself for personal reasons. He is also known for coaching the Brazilian national team to a Cup victory in 1994.

Parreira, 66, added to the speculation telling O Globo newspaper: “My return is possible. If I receive a proposal, I would study it fondly because I know they like me very much. But the pressure is immense there.”

What do you think of Brazil’s own World Cup prospects are for 2010?