Former Bafana Bafana coach faces cancer and looks unrecognisable
Former Bafana Bafana coach Alberto Parreira, 81, has been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that impacts the lymphatic system.
Carlos Alberto Parreira, the former coach of both Bafana Bafana and the Brazil national soccer team, has been fighting cancer.
The 81-year-old Brazilian coach has Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is a cancer that affects the lymphatic system. According to Front Row Soccer, the former coach responded well to treatment.
Earlier this year, the Brazilian Football Confederation stated Parreira’s health.
“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 statement read.
Ex-Bafana coach Alberto Parreira showing excellent response to treatment
“The family of the four-time champion coach and the medical team from Hospital Samaritano, which is monitoring his condition, state that Parreira continues to progress positively with the treatments and express their gratitude to everyone for their concern and support.”
Parreira took over Bafana as coach in 2007 with the aim of advancing them out of the 2010 World Cup group stages. Under Parreira’s coaching, South Africa drew with Mexico 1–1, lost to Uruguay 3–0, and beat France 2–1, finishing third in Group A.
On 25 June 2010, Parreira announced his retirement as a football coach after failing to get Bafana to the next round.
Parreira has also coached, among others, the national teams of Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Kuwait, and South Africa. As for clubs, he has managed Valencia, Fenerbahçe, Metro Stars, Santos, Atlético Mineiro, Fluminense, Corinthians, Internacional, and. He led Brazil to the World Cup title and also won the Copa America.