The 65-year-old, who took charge of the 2010 World Cup hosts in February 2007, announced his decision following talks with the South African Football Association (SAFA) on Monday.

Johannesburg's Sunday Times reported over the weekend that Parreira's wife was suffering from cancer, and just a day later the coach confirmed he was leaving his post to return to his homeland.

Hired to lead the host nation into the 2010 World Cup, Parreira admitted that it was impossible to look too far ahead while concerns remain over his wife's health.

"We worked very hard in the past 15 months, but suddenly there were some problems," said Parreira.

"When I think about two years from now, my family needs me, especially my wife. They need me near to her, together with her.

"After nearly 40 years of marriage, I cannot say no. I regret very much that I had to come to this decision.

"It's heartbreaking not to have this job until the end, but there are moments in life when you have to make these decisions.

"I've had 19 years outside Brazil. I've worked with six national teams and I could maintain this and keep the balance.

"But now, because of so many reasons, I cannot keep doing this."

Parreira revealed that he could maintain his association with SAFA in an advisory capacity.

"I will remain available to ensure a smooth transition until the new coach is available and I am also available for consultation as a technical advisor," he said.

Parreira, a World Cup-winning coach with Brazil in 1994, has been under constant pressure since taking charge of Bafana Bafana.

He failed to inspire much confidence during the first 12 months of his tenure and left many pondering his plans for the national team after he dropped Benni McCarthy and several other big names for the African Nations Cup earlier this year.

Despite their first-round exit in Ghana, Parreira's young charges looked to be on the right track in recent months and claimed their best result under the Brazilian when they beat Paraguay 3-0 in Pretoria last month.

And Parreira is confident that the work he has done up to this point will stand South Africa in good stead for the future.

"For everything suddenly to change, from day to night, it was never easy," he continued. "But slowly we are moving up, and have not only got the national team in a good way, but the infrastructure that we are building and SAFA's support in us.

"For the [2009] Confederation Cup and for the World Cup, everything is there and in place."

South Africa played 21 matches under Parreira's leadership, winning nine, drawing six and losing six.