With former Bafana Bafana boss Carlos Alberto Parreira having been diagnosed with cancer a few years ago, the Brazilian coach now appears to be making progress with his health. Here's a look!
The story
In South Africa, Parreira is undoubtedly best remembered for his stint as Bafana Bafana head coach during the iconic 2010 FIFA World Cup – the first to be hosted in Mzansi and on the African continent.
Parreira was initially in charge of the South African national team between 2007 and 2008 before taking up a brief spell with Fluminense in Brazil.
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He returned in 2009, replacing his countryman Joel Santana, and went on to lead Bafana’s World Cup campaign.
Parreira retired from coaching after the tournament and, two years later, took up a role as technical director of the Brazil national team from 2012 to 2014.
Sadly, in January 2024, it was confirmed that Parreira was battling cancer.
"The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) informs, on behalf of the family of former coach of the Brazilian Men’s National Football Team, Carlos Alberto Parreira, that after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, he has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment for four months and has been showing excellent response," the organisation said in a statement at the time.
Encouragingly, a few months ago, Parreira shared images of himself, suggesting he has made progress in his recovery.
These are positive signs for the now 82-year-old, who remains the only World Cup-winning manager to have coached Bafana.
Support for the retired tactician is evident from the number of friends and family members seen with him at dinner tables.
Furthermore, the comments under his Instagram post reflect heartfelt messages from many of his admirers.
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