RIO DE JANEIRO, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Veteran manager Cuca has been appointed head coach of Santos for the rest of the Brazilian Serie A season, the club said on Thursday.

The 62-year-old, whose real name is Alexi Stival, replaces Juan Pablo Vojvoda, who was sacked after a 2-1 home defeat to Internacional on Wednesday.

The result left Santos 16th in Brazil's 20-team top-flight standings with one win from seven games.

"Cuca arrives at Santos accompanied by assistant coach Cuquinha and fitness coach Omar Feitosa," read a statement on Santos' official website.

It will be Cuca's fourth time as Santos manager following spells in charge in 2008, 2018 and 2020-21.

The first match of his new tenure will be an away clash with Cruzeiro on Sunday. ■