Vasco coach Borges quits after shock loss

Rio de Janeiro, Sep 11 (IANS) Cristovao Borges has quit as coach of Brazilian top flight football club Vasco da Gama following their shock 0-4 home loss to Bahia.

The 53-year-old's resignation was confirmed at a press conference at Vasco's headquarters in here Monday evening, Xinhua reports.

"I want to thank the club for the opportunity of a lifetime that I've been given," Borges said. "Even though we have had some great moments I feel the time is right for a change."

Vasco president Roberto Dinamite said the club had wanted Borges to carry on.

"We told him that he had the support of the club if he wanted to stay," Dinamite said. "But we respect his decision. It shows the true professional that he is."

Borges took over as coach in August last year after his predecessor Ricardo Gomes suffered a stroke during a local derby against Flamengo.

Vasco, which finished second in Brazil's Serie A championship last year, is currently fourth in the league standings.