By Mohammed Allie BBC Sport, Cape Town

Ephraim Mashaba in row with the South African FA

Ephraim Mashaba has resumed as South Africa's coach, but his relationship with the South African Football Association (Safa)seems to have gone sour.

Mashaba was shoved aside and temporarily replaced by Jomo Sono for last Thursday's friendly against England.

Although Safa says the relationship with Mashaba remains cordial, it will be no surprise if Mashaba and Safa decide to end their relationship.

Mashaba upset the Safa hierarchy by defying their instruction to include high profile overseas-based players for the England game, opting for local players.

He was critical of Lucas Radebe, Benni McCarthy, Quinton Fortune and Shaun Bartlett, questioning their commitment to the national team.

Although South Africa's 2010 World Cup Chairman Irvin Khoza insisted that the England game was only a one-off, subsequent developments have turned this promise on its head.

There also remains the unsolved problem of players contracts, which precludes national players from getting an appearance fee when called up for international duty.

Most of the overseas and top local-based players, like goalkeeper Andre Arendse, have refused to sign these contracts, which has led to further friction in the national team.

And with two important Nations Cup qualifiers against the Ivory Coast and Burundi in June and July, Mashaba will be under pressure to deliver the goods.

Although 'Shakes' has now been given Safa's vote of confidence to get Bafana-Bafana's Nations Cup ticket, Sono will manage the South African team for another 2010 bid match against Trinidad and Tobago in Port Elizabeth.