Newly reappointed Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira says the national football team needs Benni McCarthy during the FIFA World Cup.

Parreira is expected to return to South Africa in a few days after SAFA parted ways with former coach Joel Santana last week.

Parreira said the door was open for McCarthy to return to the squad.

"If he is ready to sacrifice, to lose weight, to train and go to the gym, he might be helpful. I do not want to take any decisions. In a few days I will reach South Africa and then we decide," he said.

Parreira also defended Santana.

"Santana was not a bad choice. He is a well used coach in Brazil, a lot of teams want him now and I believe in the Confederations Cup he did a good job," he said.