Roger de Sa set to leave on Sunday for new job

Roger de Sa is reportedly leaving on Sunday to link up with Carlos Quieroz, who was this week appointed Iran national team coach.

Quieroz, whose last job was with Egypt’s Pharaohs, once again enlisted De Sa to be part of his coaching staff.

“The Iran federation has not announced Roger De Sa, but he leaves on Sunday to join them. He will be part of Quieroz’s team at the World Cup,” a source told FARPost.

Together, they will guide Iran at the 2022 FIFA World Cup set for November in Qatar.

The former Bafana Bafana coach, Queiroz, replaces Croatian Dragan Skocic, who led Iran to World Cup qualification.

However, Skocic was shown the exit door when Mehdi Taj took over as the Iran Football Federation president.

Taj had initially made it clear he would give Queiroz his second stint at the helm of their national team once he ascended to the presidency.

The Portuguese mentor had a memorable, lengthy stint at the helm of Iran – between 2011 and 2019. 

The 2022 edition of the global soccer showpiece will not be his first as Iran manager after leading them at the 2014 and 2018 editions. 

During those eight years, he oversaw 97 games, succumbing to defeat only 14 times. 

He drew 24 times and won 60 of the matches in charge.

When contacted for comment, De Sa said he would know on Friday morning. 

“I’ll know tomorrow morning [Friday] if it’s going to happen,” he told FARPost.

De Sa, who has previously coached Bidvest Wits, Santos, Orlando Pirates, Ajax Cape Town, Maritzburg United, Platinum Stars, Cape Umoya United and All Stars, has been unattached since returning from Egypt earlier this year.