Carlos Alberto Parreira © Gallo Images

PARREIRA BIDS SA FAREWELL

With a whimsical "see you in 2014" as his parting message, former Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira left for Brazil on Wednesday with his reputation in South Africa largely intact, despite his twin tenure as the national coach being forever tainted by guiding the first World Cup host team to an opening-round exit in the 80-year existence of the global tournament.

At his side was his prodigy and new Bafana coach, Pitso Mosimane, who has credited Parreira with tutoring him to a point where he has become comfortable and well-versed with the rigours of international soccer at the highest level.

Parreira's detractors will forever point out that after a largely creditable three games against Mexico (a draw), Uruguay (a 0-3 mauling) and a refreshing 2-1 win over France, who admittedly were a shell-shocked, dispirited team at the time, Bafana still failed to make the much-sought second round.

A more accurate assessment, however, might emerge from the players who participated in the World Cup and to a man they are full of praise for the eloquent and vastly experienced veteran, who crowned his career by guiding Brazil to the World Cup title in 1994.

What Parreira meant by proclaiming "see you in 2014" was the projected friendly reunion that will emanate should South Africa qualify for the World Cup that will be hosted by the five-time champions in that year.

While only the spectre of his image will be linked to Bafana at the time, whether South Africa qualify for Brazil 2014 or not will be linked in some way to Parreira as well.

Exactly what he will be doing at the time is up in the air right now. He might well have retired by then after an up-and-down career of more than 40 years worth of coaching that has earned him widespread international respect for his knowledge, unwavering dignity and eloquence.

Parreira has himself said he will never again enter the cauldron into which every Brazilian coach steps amid nation-wide expectation of winning the World Cup, but he has not ruled out an advisory job with the Brazilian national side or some other undertaking with the Brazilian Football Federation.

He shed a tear when his liaison with Bafana ended and the South African squad will find at least one staunch friend if they make it to Brazil in 2014. No Brazilian, one imagines, would be happier to greet them.

PARREIRA'S FAREWELL SPEECH (22 JUNE 2010)

"On the one side we are sad and unhappy that we did not qualify (for the second round of the World Cup), but on the other we are happy that we finished this competition in style with a big win against a big team (France), and this was seen by the whole world. Our group was tough and we knew from the beginning that it was going to be tough. In the last eight months we suffered only one defeat, against Uruguay.

"I thank the South African Football Association for giving me the opportunity to come back to this country. I also want to thank every one of you for the commitment you had towards us. It’s not easy to be together for five months and not have one single problem, you must be proud of yourselves. You have proved to the world that you are good enough to make this country shine again, not only in Africa but on the world stage.

"This was my last game (against France) with you and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart -- those who played and those who did not -- because in three games you can’t use all the players. Nineteen of you had the honour to play, those who did not still belong to the team.

"I want to also thank the staff for all your support and I can tell you from the bottom of my heart that South Africa has a special place in my heart forever. I am very proud of you and I will remember you as you have left me with good memories forever.

"This is the last time we are together I hope you enjoy your time with your families and your careers, and remember this country needs all of you and you have proved that you are good enough.

"I want to have the honour and privilege to be your guide in Brazil at the 2014 Fifa World Cup. You have worked hard and you have a team to be there, and I will be very happy to welcome you in my country.

"Good luck and all the best,” concluded Parreira.