Departed Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira. (Gallo)

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Courtesy of the South African Football Association (SAFA)

Johannesburg - It was hugs all round as a teary-eyed Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Parreira bade farewell to the national team players and staff on Tuesday (June 22) at the team’s base camp in Johannesburg, shortly after the joy of victory over France coupled with the sadness at South Africa’s exit from the tournament.

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An emotional Parreira said, “On the one side we are sad and unhappy that we did not qualify, but on the other we are happy that we finished this competition in style with a big win against a big team, 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 would like to thank the South African Football Association for giving me the opportunity to come back to this country.

“I also want to thank everyone 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 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.”

Assistant coach Pitso Mosimane added: “I guess it’s the same feeling we have all of us here, we showed that while the ranking may mean something else, we actually don’t belong there and it’s all up to you to keep the way you are because the next coach will find you ready.”

The last word was reserved for captain Aaron Mokoena: “It’s important to say to you coach and your technical staff thank you very much for giving us the opportunity to play football at the highest level of them all.

“Thank you also for helping us to restore the pride and image of South African football as Bafana Bafana players. We would like to applaud you for laying the foundation and hopefully we can build on that.

“Thanks also for bringing back the belief in all of us and to the nation. We really appreciate the effort that has been put in by everyone,” concluded Mokoena.