World Cup Preview: South Africa

In Group A with Mexico, France, and Uruguay

Appearances: 3 (Last appearance in 2002)

Current FIFA Ranking (As of Feb.3): 81

Captain: Aaron Mokoena (Center Back)

Leading Scorer in Qualifying: Kagisho Evidence Dikgacoi - 2 goals (Midfielder)

Key Injuries: Dikgacoi - Damage to ankle ligaments (Expected back in mid-March)

Key retirements since 2006: Sibusiso Zuma (Striker), Shaun Bartlett (Striker)

Team Overview: The Bafana Bafana enter this year's World Cup as the hosts so they were guaranteed a spot. However, don't expect too much from the 81st ranked team in the world. They struggle to get shots on target and scoring goals. During the warm-up stages that they were required to play, they played six games and only scored in two of them, both against Equatorial Guinea. They were shut out in their other four games against Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

This offensive futility showed up again during the 2009 Confederations Cup. In their three games, they were shut out by Spain, Brazil, and Iraq before scoring two goals against New Zealand and two more in their final game when they played Spain again.

The strength of the team is in the defense. Their first choice at goalkeeper is still undecided but Itumeleng Khune is easily the most talented of their three choices. He is an unknown player around the world but he has a lot of talent. He is very agile and gets his hands on many shots. He is very young though, at 22. If he does not start, expect Rowan Fernandez to play instead.

The backline is a tough one to get through. South Africa has not allowed more than two goals since they allowed three to Spain in June of 2009. Central backs Mokoena and Matthew Booth are big physical players. Both are over six-feet tall and Booth is just about six-foot-seven. It's difficult to win aerial battles against the two and they defend set pieces very well. Siboniso Gaxa and Tsepo Masilela are tireless workers on the wings and will provide lots of support for the midfield and forwards.

The midfield is led by Steven Pienaar, South Africa's star player. Any pressure that South Africa puts on their opponents will be started by him. Joining him in the middle will be a multitude of players that will be shuffled in and out. Siphiwe Tshabalala, Dikgacoi, and Teko Modise will most likely see the most time. Any other team with an above average to solid midfield will be able to control the ball against South Africa.

The pressure of scoring goals for Bafana Bafana will lie on the shoulders of Benni McCarthy, South Africa's all-time leading goal scorer, and youngsters Bernard Parker and Katlego Mphela. McCarthy, however, has had trouble with his attitude toward the team and at this point, remains out of the favor of his coach. If he does not return to the team, the two young strikers could wilt under the pressure of their nation.



Player to Watch: Unfortunately, South Africa has a very few number of players that can really make a difference during a game. One of these guys is Steven Pienaar. The Everton man will man the midfield for South Africa and will be expected to do a little bit of everything for the team. He will move all around the field but expect him to play as a winger during South Africa's games.

Pienaar is a gifted player with great speed and technical ability with the ball. He has a high motor and will always be working to win the ball or get better position for his teammates. He has great accuracy on his passes and he has a powerful shot off of his right foot. Despite all of his ability though, Pienaar struggles to find the back of the net. He has only scored 32 international and club team goals in his 11-year career. His play and creativeness will determine how well South Africa plays during the World Cup.

Prediction: Knocked out during the group stage.

The final squad will not be announced until June 10 but here is a small list of players in the running to make the team.

Match Schedule