Former South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said Monday he is proud of the team he led at the 2010 World Cup despite its failure to reach the knockout rounds.
South Africa beat France 2-1 in its last group game but failed to reach the second round on goal difference. The team also drew 1-1 with Mexico in the opening game and lost to Uruguay 3-0.
The failure to progress made Bafana Bafana the first host nation to be eliminated in the group stage.
"We worked very hard to give an identity to the team and they did very well," Parreira said. "This group would be difficult for any team in the World Cup."
Parreira, a Brazilian, took over as South Africa coach for the second time in October last year but stepped down after the team was eliminated.
He said the team should not be criticized for its early exit.
"I never put any pressure on my players to reach the next round, we wanted to go all the way to the final but we must be realistic," he said. "The performance of our team left a legacy. They played positive football and there's a foundation now that we can build for the future."
Parreira looks likely to be replaced as South Africa coach by his assistant Pitso Mosimane.
Parreira said Mosimane, a South African, had added to his coaching experience while working with the national team.
"He's the right guy at the right moment," Parreira said.
