Carlos Parreira, Bafana Bafana’s new coach, and his assistant do not have legal working status in South Africa, the Department of Home Affairs confirmed on Friday.
Spokesperson Mantshele wa ga Tau said Parreira and Jairo Lopes Cesar Leal had arrived in the country on visitors’ permits.
”[They] are therefore not allowed to execute their responsibilities until their work permits are finalised.”
Visitors’ permits only allow holders to work in special circumstances, such as over a short period.
”A visitor’s permit may be endorsed to allow a visitor to work.”
He said the South African Football Association (Safa) had applied for work permits on behalf of the two coaches, and the department would process the applications immediately.
”The department undertook the above steps to resolve the problem in the best interest of our country’s Fifa World Cup 2010 preparations,” said Wa ga Tau.
However, he warned: ”We shall also act against those who contravene the provisions of the Immigration Act.” — Sapa