Cape Town - Former Brazil and South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira is tipping Brazil to win Thursday night’s Confederations Cup semi-final but at the same time reveals that he still has a soft spot for Bafana Bafana.

“It’s not as if my loyalties are divided, but let’s just say I’m going to be neutral,” says the man who led Brazil to two FIFA World Cup finals and also helped build the current SA squad during his spell in charge before Joel Santana.
 
In an interview with FIFA.com, the current Fluminense coach said, “I really hope South Africa play a great game, and I’m sure that they will. Joel Santana knows how to set the team up and while I’m sure that Brazil's superior technique will show through in the end, I’m also convinced that the Seleção will have a lot of work to do.”
 
During his spell in charge of the South Africans from early 2007 to April 2008, Parreira was responsible for blooding many of the players who now form the core of the side coached by his compatriot and friend Santana.
 
“I gave the goalkeeper [Itumeleng] Khune and Teko Modise their international debuts, for example,” he recalled.
 
“I remember my last game in charge very well, a 3-0 defeat of Paraguay. [Tsepo] Masilela and [Siphiwe] Tshabalala did really well in that match and I’m delighted to see that all these players are improving fast and showing the whole world their quality.”
 
Quite apart from his role in nurturing South Africa’s talented crop of players, Parreira has an obvious sense of affection for the team he was forced to leave a little over a year ago due his wife's health problems.
 
“South Africa like to play good football more than anything else,” continued the 66-year-old. “The pressure is off them now that they have reached the semifinals. It’s Brazil who are under pressure now.”
 
And as Parreira explains, Bafana Bafana will not lack incentive when they run out at Ellis Park to face the five-time world champions.
 
“South Africa play relaxed football. They enjoy the game. I spoke to Joel Santana on the phone and he told me that they’re all very excited at the prospect of playing the Seleção. What better way to gain experience than by playing Brazil with a place in the final of the Confederations Cup at stake?”
 
Putting his attachment to the South African cause to one side, he makes a logical assessment of their chances against Dunga’s side.
 
“There's a big difference between the two teams in terms of technique. Brazil are far superior to South Africa, not just because of their record, but also because of the way they are playing at the moment.
 
“I do think South Africa can make life difficult for the Seleção, though, and if that happens I’ll be happy.”