Johannesburg - The former South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira says he is proud of the team he led at the 2010 Soccer 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.

Nonetheless, Parreira says the national team now has an "identity" and has left a legacy for the future.

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.

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