World Cup 2010

I See Light At The End Of The Tunnel - South Africa Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira

The Brazilian World Cup winner is confident that Bafana can get back to a strong standard if they can improve their fitness and learn to hold possession more effectively...

Nov 19, 2009 9:18:51 AM

Carlos Alberto Parreira (ex-téc.Seleção Brasileira)

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Carlos Alberto Parreira (ex-téc.Seleção Brasileira)

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Carlos Alberto Parreira

World Cup hosts South Africa have been far from impressive in the international friendlies they've played lately, but recently appointed head coach Carlos Alberto Parreira is confident that Bafana Bafana will improve.

“I see light at the end of the tunnel. When we have this team up to a good level of fitness, they will prove far more competitive. This side has played at a high level before," Parreira told FIFA.com.

"When I worked here the first time we beat Paraguay 3-0, and that’s the standard I want the team to get back to. The matches against Brazil and Spain this year [single-goal defeats at the FIFA Confederations Cup] also showed what we can do when the team is ready.

"When the key players are in good shape and fit, the standard of the team will improve quickly. I have no doubt about it.

"We’ll be able to get them into good shape. They will be with us for four weeks. We are going to go to Brazil. We are hoping to play about six games against good opposition. It is going to be very beneficial," Parreira continued.

“We have to believe in the players we have. We have to keep the confidence and play to our strengths. Ball possession is important: keeping the ball, circulating it on the ground, playing possession football. It was very clear that when we do this we are a much better team."

Stefan Coerts, Goal.com

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