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Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana head coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has squashed speculation he could extend his contract with the South African Football Association (SAFA) beyond the Soccer World Cup, which kicks off in South Africa on June 11.
The Brazilian-born Parreira, who answered an SOS from SAFA last November to rescue the ailing Bafana after a disastrous 17 month reign by fellow countryman Joel Santana, said prior to the national side’s friendly against Guatemala at the new Peter Mokaba Stadium on Monday night he would be returning to his family in Brazil once his contract with SAFA expires after the World Cup in July.
“I am not thinking about my long term future. I am totally focused on my job and the first priority is to ensure Bafana reaches at least the second round of the World Cup. Once we have achieved that, anything can happen in the knockout stages,” said Parreira.
Bafana open the global showpiece against Mexico at Soccer City on June 11, then play Uruguay at Loftus on June 16 and end the first phase with a clash against 1998 world champions France in Bloemfontein on June 22.
SAFA’s long term plan is to groom a local successor to Parreira. SAFA president Kirsten Nematandani, stressed when Parreira was rehired last November, a South African coach would be in charge after the World Cup.
However, with Parreira breathing new life in a side that were considered no hopers for the World Cup, there has been rumours he might be tempted to stay on for the 2012 African Nations Cup qualifiers in another capacity.
“There has been talk of me being a sort of director of coaching or something like that, but I have said no as I want to get back to my children and grandchildren in Brazil.
"I really miss my family. I have been away for five months and leave Bafana and South Africa after the World Cup, but I am determined to leave them in a strong position of at least having qualified for the second round of the World Cup.
"I have been coaching at many World Cups (2010 will be his sixth) in 42 years in soccer. I think I have earned a rest,” stated Parreira.
Parreira has brought back the pride and passion to the players who are now giving 100 percent commitment and are prepared to fight for their jersey, and that alone is a good platform for the new coach to build on after the World Cup.
The leading contenders to succeed Parreira are assistant coach Pitso Mosimane and SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt.
