Betting on South Africa at the World Cup 2010

Manager: Carlos Alberto Perreira
Captain: Aaron Mokoena
FIFA World Ranking: 90
World Cup Appearances: 2
Bets World Cup: Round 1

South Africa Article

South Africa Team Profile

South Africa were granted their first ever World Cup when FIFA gave the continent the go-ahead to host the greatest footballing tournament on earth. The eyes of the world will be on South Africa and with great responsibility comes added pressure. Danny Jordan is the man employed to organise the world cup and ensure it’s ready on time to deliver a unique sporting spectacle. This will be South Africa‘s first ever taste of World Cup football as the hosts and they will want to leave their mark and ensure the travelling fans leave the continent with happy memories, regardless of how well their country does.

Despite problems with the construction side of things, Bafana Bafana’s biggest concern is the quality of the South African team. Many neutrals have already tipped South Africa to be the worst ever host nation in regards to how well the host country actually does in it’s own world cup. It’s up to the South African fans to create an atmosphere to remember but that will be extremely hard if their side doesn’t make inroads in the tournament itself. Manager Carlos Alberto Parreira is confident he will have a side capable of competing once the finals kick-off but we aren’t convinced.

Nickname: Bafana Bafana (The Boys)

Manager

South Africa, after only recently sacking Joel Santana after some disastrous displays from the national team, have one again seeked inspiration and, to put it bluntly, help from a Brazilian, as Carlos Alberto Perreira was chosen as the man to guide South Africa to a respectable finish on home soil.

There is no doubting the experience of the man having spent no less than 43 years in the managerial business. At 67 years of age, Perreira has certainly been around the block and then lapped it once more, as the variety of clubs he’s managed is quite remarkable, ranging from managing the Kuwait national team all the way up to leading his own country, Brazil. In a managerial career which consists of a mixture of both clubs and national teams, Perreira has spent roughly 26 years managing international sides, of which he has enjoyed three stints as Brazil manager, so perhaps he can install some Samba magic into the South Africa team.

We can honestly say, we doubt they’ll be a manager at South Africa with as much experience at all levels of international than Carlos Alberto Perreira, so the appointment looks a fantastic capture for South Africa, who definitely need some inspiring.

South Africa Key Players

Aaron Mokoena

The South African captain will need to step up for the finals and act as a true leader. With 90 caps, Mokoena is South Africa’s most capped player and with some of the squad still fairly young, his experience will be key in guiding South Africa along the right path. South Africa are often a side that can loose concentration when they go a goal down so the omen will be on Mokoena to restore faith in the ranks and enhance player morale.

Matthew Booth

If South Africa are to have a successful World Cup as host nation, they will need their favourite player to perform. Matthew Booth is not only their rock at the back but he also inspires the home supporters. Whenever Booth touches the ball, you’ll hear a roar of ‘BOOTH’. The 32 year old will be hoping to repay the support of the fans with a few solid performances at the back and possibly assert his presence in the oppositions penalty area as well. Booth is 6ft 6incs tall and will be key from set pieces for South Africa despite his low goalscoring tally of 1 goal in 26 international appearances.

Benni McCarthy

The Blackburn forward has been a controversial character for South Africa. He’s often had to make a choice between club and country with club often prevailing. This left a bad taste in the South African fans but they may need to swallow their pride and accept their most prolific striker back with open arms. McCarthy did retire from international football back in 2002 but made a swift return in 2004 and Joel Santana will be hoping to acquire his services next summer. The South Africans lack an out-an-out forward and McCarthy will fill the void. 31 goals in 76 games makes Benni McCarthy South Africa’s highest ever goalscorer and they will need his goals in South Africa next year.

Strengths

Unfortunately, South Africa don’t have too many strengths. Their team lacks any real quality and they will rely solely on the support from the home fans to get them through some tough matches. The South African’s showed their support at the FIFA Confederations Cup, mainly with their ‘vuvuzelas’, which we must warn you in advance, are blooming annoying. However, the atmosphere created by the fans with their vuvuzelas helped inspire the players to a fourth place finish and the Bafana Bafana faithful will be out in full force in a bid to drive their team to at least the last sixteen stage of the tournament.

Weaknesses

South Africa not only lack a potential match winner within their ranks but they lack a team capable of reaching the heights the fans demand. Bypassing the groups is a must as far the South African’s are concerned and anything less will be seen as a major disappointment. However, the home fans may be in for torrid time as we expect South Africa to struggle on home soil despite the support of the nation behind them. Their defence is vulnerable, their attack is blunt while their only glimmer of hope may rest in midfield. Teko Modise looked lively in the Confederations cup while Steven Pienaar looks a bright spark in the centre of the park. With the exception of the midfield, South Africa appear doomed.

South Africa Qualification for the World Cup:

South Africa qualified virtue of being the host nation. Their preparations have been good after surpassing all expectations in the FIFA Confederations Cup when reaching the Semi-Finals, before losing 1-0 to Brazil.

South Africa Qualifying Statistics:

This will be the very first World Cup held on South African soil.
The pressure is firmly on the South African players with many punters and even FIFA President Sepp Blatter concerned over the quality of the South African team.
This will be South Africa’s third World Cup after missing out on the 2006 finals but previously qualifying for both the 1998 & 2002 World Cups.

World Cup Potential:  2/5

The only thing favouring the South African’s is that they’re the host country. They will receive a tremendous reception in the opening game and will also sell out their games with ease as the Bafana Bafana faithful do their best to push South Africa to victory. However, without the support, South Africa wouldn’t have a hope in hell. If the players thrive on the atmosphere then they could surprise a few but that’s a big ‘IF’.

South Africa World Cup Betting Odds

South Africa to win the World Cup:         500/1 – bWin

Before the World Cup the odds on South Africa were 150/1 

Official South Africa World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs)

Shu-Aib Walters (Maritzburg United)

Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates)

Defenders

Matthew Booth (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Siboniso Gaxa (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Bongani Khumalo (Supersport United)

Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa, Israel)

Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth)

Anele Ngcongca (Racing Genk)

Siyabonga Sangweni (Golden Arrows)

Lucas Thwala (Orlando Pirates)

Midfielders

Surprise Moriri (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Lance Davids (Ajax Cape Town)

Kagisho Dikgacoi (FC Fulham)

Teko Modise (Orlando Pirates)

Reneilwe Letsholonyane (Kaizer Chiefs)

Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs)

Thanduyise Khuboni (Golden Arrows)

Steven Pienaar (Everton)

Macbeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan)

Strikers

Katlego Mphela (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Siyabonga Nomvete (Moroka Swallows)

Bernard Parker (FC Twente Enschede)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 South Africa Fixtures – Group A

World Cup 2010 Group A - Table

 World Cup Fixtures and Results

World Cup Betting Group A Odds

Tuesday will see the first group settled, and the first places booked in the second round of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. There seems little doubt as to which two teams it will be going through, but in what order remains to be seen. Uruguay top Group A on goal difference over Mexico, and those two go up against each other Monday with both sides only needing a win to progress. But both teams will want to push on for the win, as top spot in the group will mean avoiding the in form Argentina in the second round of the tournament. That means there is a lot to play for between the Central and South American teams. But there is another scenario which could happen, and that is seeing France or South Africa scrape in to second place. That would only happen if the Uruguay v Mexico match ends in a heavy win for one of the teams, and it will also need the winner of the France v South Africa match to win well, for goal difference needs to be overcome. Is there another twist in this fascinating World Cup?

Group A Standings
Uruguay: P2, W1, D1, L0, GF3, GA0, Pts 4
Mexico: P2, W1, D1, L0, GF3, GA1, Pts 4
France: P2, W0, D1, L1, GF0, GA2, Pts 1
South Africa: P2, W0, D1, L1, GF 1, GA4, Pts 1

To Win Group A
Uruguay: 2/7 at Bet365
Mexico: 12/5 at Paddy Power

To Qualify From Group A
Uruguay: 1/33 at SkyBet
Mexico: 1/19 at Bwin
France: 14/1 at Ladbrokes
South Africa 33/1 at Blue Square

Match Odds
France to win: 13/10 at BetFred
Draw: 12/5 at SkyBet
South Africa: 2/1 at Boylesports

Match Odds
Mexico to win: 3/1 at SkyBet
Draw: 4/5 at Bet365
Uruguay to win: 18/5 at SportingBet
 

France

The scenario for both France and South Africa is clear. Both need a good win, and both need someone to turn out victorious in the other Group A match of Mexico v Uruguay. Not only that, because France and South Africa have poor goal differences, they would also need Mexico or Uruguay to win quite heavily. It doesn’t paid a pretty, or a hopeful picture for either, but neither side are doing their own hopes much favours at the moment. It is Les Miserables for the French at the moment, after they suffered a bruising defeat against Mexico in their second group match. There was further bad news for the French, after a dressing room bust up at half time, which resulted in Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka firing off a tirade of expletives at his coach, apparently. Anelka was subsequently sent home after refusing to apologise. This was all because, according to Domenech, Anelka had been wandering out of position and was the cause of the problems with the team. It seems a little harsh as the other twelve players who took part in the match on the night, didn’t exactly cover themselves in glory.

In a way, it is a fitting end to the reign of Raymond Domenech, who has never been a popular figure with French fans, nor, at times, the French players themselves. He is a controversial figure, and many believe he was never the right choice in the first place to take charge of the national side. It is all coming to an end though for Domenech, as Laurent Blanc takes over at the end of the World Cup. There have been reports that Domenech had a bust up with Anelka’s Chelsea team mate Florent Malouda on the training ground, a player who Domenech has not shown a lot of faith in. The Chelsea winger had to sit on the bench for their opening fixture as Domenech tinkered with the team again. Domenech also decided to drop Yoann Gourcuff from the starting eleven against Mexico, even though the youngster is regarded to be the most creatively influential ace in their midfield pack. The quality of players France have in their squad, suggests that they are capable of so much more, and this could be a very sorry ending to their World Cup dreams.

France World Cup betting. Should France beat South Africa? You would look at their FIFA rankings and the competitive football which has been played over the last twelve months and you would still have to say yes. If a team is going to edge the match on quality then it will be France. But are the players really interested? They will miss Toulalan, who is suspended, and who knows what Domenech will do for the final match. He may even drop more of his stars, just to make a statement. If the game comes down to heart and playing for a bit of pride, then France may again, leave the match empty handed. They would probably be happy with a draw, if they cared, so find something that reflects that, like a short Asian Handicap, or straight outright draw.

France World Cup 2010 Stats
Played: P2, W0, D1, L1
GF/GA: 0/2
Cards: Y5, R0
Most Shots: Nicolas Anelka, 8
Top Scorer: N/A
Shots/On Goal: 31/7
Fouls Committed: 43
Total Passes: 1013
Pass Completion: 69%

South Africa

South Africa have not lived up to the expectations of a host nation, but maybe they have fulfilled exactly what was expected of them. The Bafana Bafana, coached by Carlos Alberto Parreira, were expected to have their hands full before the World Cup started, but after they took a point out of their opening match, expectations naturally began to rise. Lo and behold, they had a point, and they were actually ahead in the match, but after a crushing 3-0 defeat by Uruguay in their second match, it seems as if that opening night was fuelled mainly be adrenalin. South Africa looked completely out of their depth against Uruguay, for who, ex Manchester United striker Diego Forlan hit a brace. The Bafana Bafana were simply not at the races on that night, and the defeat has left then scrapping it out for the wooden spoon along with France in Group A. Mathematically they can still qualify, but the need to beat France well for starters, and even that is hard to see happening. Even though France look dejected and falling apart at the seams, the quality in depth in South African football is not there, and that was as clear as day against Uruguay.

The Bafana Bafana will play with a lot of heart in their final group match, hoping to give the home crowds something to cheer about. It is this alone which may be able to raise them up to get the win over a downtrodden French side, but as with any football match, you still need the quality to pull it off. There is an air of parity about this match, France edging the quality, South Africa edging the passion. Put it all together and you will probably have a draw, even though both teams should be going for gold and hoping that a win, which offers a slight chance of qualification, will come their way .This is the World Cup after all, and there are bound to be some more twists. South Africa, if they fail, will become the first host nation ever to not make it to the second round of the tournament. That is a cruel claim to fame for them to have on their shoulders, as they are a nation with heart and pride. Sadly, the football standards, simply are not good enough.

South Africa World Cup betting. If the French cannot pick themselves up off the floor, then South Africa have every chance of nicking this one. They will probably be the liveliest of the two, so look at a Draw No Bet on them may be worth a look at. Otherwise find a nice Asian handicap, probably around no more than +1 for some decent value, and hope that they can at least get a draw out of the proceedings and leave the competition with their heads held high.

South Africa World Cup 2010 Stats
Played: P2, W0, D1, L1
GF/GA: 1/4
Cards: Y4, R0
Most Shots: Three players, 4
Top Scorer: Siphiwe Tshabalala
Shots/On Goal: 19/8
Fouls Committed: 31
Total Passes: 931
Pass Completion: 73%

France v South Africa Betting Odds

France to win: 11/10 at Bet365
Draw: 13/5 at Ladbrokes
South Africa to win: 3/1 at Totesport

Asian Handicap Betting Tip: Not too much in terms of decent value floating around on this one, simply because the bookmakers are unsure of which France is going to turn up. France should still edge the match from a betting point of view, but they still don’t have a lot of goals in them. So backing South Africa in a plus may be a bit safer than taking France as a minus.
South Africa +0.50 for 8/11 at  Paddy Power
 

South Africa V France Odds:

World Cup Group A Teams: France, Mexico, Uruguay and South Africa. The curtain raiser for the 2010 World Cup, is the fixture between host nation South Africa and Mexico. South Africa will have a lot of hype surrounding them, not to mention the hopes of the Rainbow Nation. But, when betting on the World Cup there is no room for any sentiments, as you simply want to make your wagers work the hardest for you. While they may not be a strong team, that does not mean that there is not potential for winning money, as you should consider betting on the weaker nations to be the best at being worst. Here in a series of previews of World Cup bets, we preview the top five best value World Cup Bets for Group A.

Group A Outright Winner: France Evens at SkyBet
There is a huge amount of uncertainty about the chances that France have of getting anywhere in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. But even with all of coach Raymond Domenech’s tinkering with the players and formation, there is a sense of inevitability about Group A. It is clearly not the toughest group in the World Cup, and there is much whispering in betting circles about some of the biggest upsets occurring in this group, simply because of the French. But France still remain firm outrights to win the group, and they actually represent good value to do that, simply because there is doubt over them. They are the experienced team full of World Cup heritage in Group A, and as much as there may be hints of upsets, it is hard to look beyond France winning the group. Here is the thing though, it may not be as straight forward as they would hope, but that doesn’t mean that they will not win it. The French have changed to a more attacking formation, and that could give them the edge they need. They are not a solid, accomplished team by any stretch of the imagination. Mexico probably are the biggest threat to them, a Mexico side who beat Italy in an international friendly as part of their build up. England beat them though without playing very well. What it boils down to, is that France do have the big time players and that just gives them the edge, however hard they may be pushed.

South Africa to Finish Bottom: 5/4 at SkyBet
The poor South African’s are in serious threat of becoming the first host nation in World Cup history not to reach the second round. They are actually on a long unbeaten run, scrapping for results wherever they go. They do show some stubbornness in their approach, but their tactical plan of playing with wing backs, means that they are easily picked off if teams sit back against them and catch them on the break. The South Africans have only been playing International Friendly matches, and while it is to their credit still that they have not been beaten, they are likely to find the level at the World Cup beyond them. The World Cup needs its hosts to stay in the competition as long as possible, and that could just be for three games unfortunately. Even if they scrape their way to three drawn matches, it does not look as if it will be enough to get them off the bottom, because the other three teams look like they are all capable of beating each other. Uruguay and Mexico looked evenly matched in World Cup Odds just behind France, and that leaves South Africa flailing in the group.

To Qualify Mexico: Evens at Paddy Power
Mexico recently beat Italy in an International Friendly as part of their warm up for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and while there are weaknesses there, there looks enough potential to get through to the second round. They showed against England that they could keep the ball well, but looked a little slack at the back. If they can tighten that up, then they may even push for the top spot in the group with France not being particularly strong. Betting on Mexico at the World Cup makes for some interesting reading, with some profit there to be garnered. The expected outcome is for France to top the group, and then have a scrap for second between Mexico and Uruguay. There does not appear to be too much between them, but the majority of World Cup betting will lean towards Mexico, as Uruguay have been very quiet in their approach to the tournament. Because they are close with Uruguay, any bet at around Evens for a team to qualify is very good value.

Most Group Stage Goals Scored: Uruguay 3/1 at Bwin
They have Diego Forlan in their ranks, and it is worth looking at Uruguay in this market. They should have the beating of South Africa, and should be able to find the holes in the Mexican and French defences. That’s not to say that they do not have frailties at the back of their own, but that doesn’t matter for this bet clearly. They scored 28 goals in 18 qualification games in the South American qualification zone, at an average of 1.56 goals per match. Mexico’s average was at 2.00 during qualification but they were in a much weaker zone, so it all should even out.

Most Group Stage Goals Conceded: South Africa 13/10 at Bwin
This bet is based on value alone, and there looks enough sense to back it quite well. They are perceived to be the weakest team in the group, and there is nothing much at the back to stop the other teams in the group exposing them. There really is not a very strong defence in this group, and the host nation’s could be the worst of a bad bunch, and it is hard to see the other teams conceding more than them overall.
 

Despite World Cup football betting suggesting otherwise, are there just hints of South Africa being able to keep one World Cup record alive? World Cup history records that no host nation has gone out in the first round of the tournament, but that record looked seriously under threat, as the Bafana Bafana looked far from impressive over the past twelve months. So lost they looked, they have to have another change of personnel at the top as part of their World Cup preparations. It has only been 18 years since South Africa made their reappearance back onto the international scene, after being out in the wilderness because of political stances on apartheid. But on Monday, South Africa recorded their record result, as they thumped Guatemala 5-0 in an international friendly. Coached by Brazilian World Cup winning coach Carlos Parreira, there are signs that the hosts are getting their act together, after also beating South Americans Colombia in an International Friendly. The Colombia match was the first in the warm-ups, that Parreira could call upon all of his European stars, like West Ham’s Benni McCarthy. A well earned draw against Bulgaria had preceded that, and suddenly the Bafana Bafana do not look so far back in World Cup Betting.

South Africa raise the curtain on the World Cup on June 11th, with the opening match against Mexico. That is a Group A match, with the other opening day fixture coming from the same group between France v Uruguay. Betting on South Africa at the World Cup still means that you will be taking outside bets, as they are the long shot in group betting to qualify. But since Parreira returned to helm of South Africa, they have gone eleven games unbeaten since last November. Granted, because they automatically qualified for the World Cup as hosts, none of them have been competitive matches, but it still shows a lot of reserve. If they really have stepped up their game, then it could be a very tight affair in World Cup Group A. They are currently around 2/1 to qualify from the group, which is not too bad a bet with all things considered. They will have the massive home support behind them, and that could give them an extra man almost.

Midfielder Steven Pienaar is confident that the Bafana Bafana can cause some shocks at the World Cup. If their resilience shows against Uruguay and Mexico, then they could play their way into a real chance of keeping World Cup history alive. There are signs that South Africa, ruled out of all contention by pretty much all of the best bookmakers for betting on the World Cup, can make an impact. They may not be the most technically gifted side at the World Cup, but they have a lot of heart, and a lot of support. The build up has been long and patient, and while they are not going to win the World Cup outright, the hosts may well be worth keeping an eye on the individual match fixtures. The opener against Mexico has the most potential for an upset, as South Africa like to play with wing backs, and with Mexico being a free flowing team in attack, they are not likely to sit back and stifle all life out of South Africa. With the raucous home crowd behind them, it may be time to re-evaluate the betting chances of the 2010 host nation.
 

Scouring the best bookmakers for betting on the World Cup, there is one common theme running throughout all of them. That is, that hosts South Africa, otherwise known as the Bafana Bafana, are not expected to cause any shocks by qualifying from Group A. If they do not, they will become the first nation in World Cup history to not reach the second round. So why are South Africa apparently so far out in the football wilderness, when the soccer world really needs them to stand up and be counted? There is a feeling of immense pressure upon them, to prolong the local interest in the historic tournament which is being held on the African continent for the first time ever. Coach Alberto Parreira is faced with the difficult task of pulling South Africa out of the wilderness, and he has named his preliminary 30 man World Cup squad, which highlights a lot of the country’s problems. But Brazilian Parreira is no stranger to success, as he led Brazil to World Cup glory in 1994.

One of the Bafana Bafana’s most famous exports, is West Ham striker Benni McCarthy. McCarthy has made the squad, despite only playing roughly only two games for his club since February. The nation will rely on his experience and he will be put through his paces in the run up to the World Cup. He joined up with the rest of the squad, which has been at camp for a while now, but has only been occupied by the domestic players. Only eleven of the 30 man provisional squad ply their trade oversees, and that leaves a large continent of home based players, who will perhaps not be used to competing at such a high level. This is perhaps their biggest problem, that since their arrival back on the international scene, they have not developed the kind of world talent that can be exported across Europe and beyond. It may be the biggest contributing factor in their forthcoming World Cup Fixtures.

South Africa, being hosts, have not even had the luxury of playing any real competitive football ahead of the tournament, and need to consolidate their preparations beginning with an international friendly schedule which pits them against Thailand, Bulgaria, Colombia and Denmark, while they try and secure a tougher test against Argentina before the tournament starts. This lack of competitive football will only hurt the host nation more, and the five outings they have this year have also come against weaker opposition. They have beaten Zimbabwe and Jamaica, and have drawn against Korea DPR, Paraguay and Namibia. It will be a shame to have the tournament fall flat if they cannot raise their game and get to the second round, but looking at World Cup betting at Bet365 has South Africa a 9/4 outsiders to qualify from Group A, which contains France, Uruguay and Mexico.

South Africa open their host nation account with a match against Mexico on June 11th, to raise the curtain on the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Everton’s Steven Pienaar will be an influential key player for the Bafana Bafana, but there are still more players to join up with the squad, such as Portsmouth’s Aaron Mokoena, and Fulham’s Kagisho Dikgacoi.

Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune, Shu-Aib Walters, Rowen Fernandez, Moeneeb Joseph.

Defenders: Matthew Booth, Siboniso Gaxa, Innocent Mdledle, Bongani Khumalo, Tsepo Masilela, Aaron Mokoena, Bryce Moon, Anele Ngcongca, Siyabonga Sangweni, Lucas Thwala, Bevan Fransman.

Midfielders: Surprise Moriri, Franklin Cale, Lance Davids, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Andile Jali, Teko Modise, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Thanduyise Khuboni, Steven Pienaar , Macbeth Sibaya.

Strikers: Benni McCarthy, Katlego Mphela, Siyabonga Nomvete, Bernard Parker

Manager: Carlos Alberto Perreira
Captain: Aaron Mokoena
FIFA World Ranking: 90
World Cup Appearances: 2
Bets World Cup: Round 1

South Africa Article

South Africa Team Profile

South Africa were granted their first ever World Cup when FIFA gave the continent the go-ahead to host the greatest footballing tournament on earth. The eyes of the world will be on South Africa and with great responsibility comes added pressure. Danny Jordan is the man employed to organise the world cup and ensure it’s ready on time to deliver a unique sporting spectacle. This will be South Africa‘s first ever taste of World Cup football as the hosts and they will want to leave their mark and ensure the travelling fans leave the continent with happy memories, regardless of how well their country does.

Despite problems with the construction side of things, Bafana Bafana’s biggest concern is the quality of the South African team. Many neutrals have already tipped South Africa to be the worst ever host nation in regards to how well the host country actually does in it’s own world cup. It’s up to the South African fans to create an atmosphere to remember but that will be extremely hard if their side doesn’t make inroads in the tournament itself. Manager Carlos Alberto Parreira is confident he will have a side capable of competing once the finals kick-off but we aren’t convinced.

Nickname: Bafana Bafana (The Boys)

Manager

South Africa, after only recently sacking Joel Santana after some disastrous displays from the national team, have one again seeked inspiration and, to put it bluntly, help from a Brazilian, as Carlos Alberto Perreira was chosen as the man to guide South Africa to a respectable finish on home soil.

There is no doubting the experience of the man having spent no less than 43 years in the managerial business. At 67 years of age, Perreira has certainly been around the block and then lapped it once more, as the variety of clubs he’s managed is quite remarkable, ranging from managing the Kuwait national team all the way up to leading his own country, Brazil. In a managerial career which consists of a mixture of both clubs and national teams, Perreira has spent roughly 26 years managing international sides, of which he has enjoyed three stints as Brazil manager, so perhaps he can install some Samba magic into the South Africa team.

We can honestly say, we doubt they’ll be a manager at South Africa with as much experience at all levels of international than Carlos Alberto Perreira, so the appointment looks a fantastic capture for South Africa, who definitely need some inspiring.

South Africa Key Players

Aaron Mokoena

The South African captain will need to step up for the finals and act as a true leader. With 90 caps, Mokoena is South Africa’s most capped player and with some of the squad still fairly young, his experience will be key in guiding South Africa along the right path. South Africa are often a side that can loose concentration when they go a goal down so the omen will be on Mokoena to restore faith in the ranks and enhance player morale.

Matthew Booth

If South Africa are to have a successful World Cup as host nation, they will need their favourite player to perform. Matthew Booth is not only their rock at the back but he also inspires the home supporters. Whenever Booth touches the ball, you’ll hear a roar of ‘BOOTH’. The 32 year old will be hoping to repay the support of the fans with a few solid performances at the back and possibly assert his presence in the oppositions penalty area as well. Booth is 6ft 6incs tall and will be key from set pieces for South Africa despite his low goalscoring tally of 1 goal in 26 international appearances.

Benni McCarthy

The Blackburn forward has been a controversial character for South Africa. He’s often had to make a choice between club and country with club often prevailing. This left a bad taste in the South African fans but they may need to swallow their pride and accept their most prolific striker back with open arms. McCarthy did retire from international football back in 2002 but made a swift return in 2004 and Joel Santana will be hoping to acquire his services next summer. The South Africans lack an out-an-out forward and McCarthy will fill the void. 31 goals in 76 games makes Benni McCarthy South Africa’s highest ever goalscorer and they will need his goals in South Africa next year.

Strengths

Unfortunately, South Africa don’t have too many strengths. Their team lacks any real quality and they will rely solely on the support from the home fans to get them through some tough matches. The South African’s showed their support at the FIFA Confederations Cup, mainly with their ‘vuvuzelas’, which we must warn you in advance, are blooming annoying. However, the atmosphere created by the fans with their vuvuzelas helped inspire the players to a fourth place finish and the Bafana Bafana faithful will be out in full force in a bid to drive their team to at least the last sixteen stage of the tournament.

Weaknesses

South Africa not only lack a potential match winner within their ranks but they lack a team capable of reaching the heights the fans demand. Bypassing the groups is a must as far the South African’s are concerned and anything less will be seen as a major disappointment. However, the home fans may be in for torrid time as we expect South Africa to struggle on home soil despite the support of the nation behind them. Their defence is vulnerable, their attack is blunt while their only glimmer of hope may rest in midfield. Teko Modise looked lively in the Confederations cup while Steven Pienaar looks a bright spark in the centre of the park. With the exception of the midfield, South Africa appear doomed.

South Africa Qualification for the World Cup:

South Africa qualified virtue of being the host nation. Their preparations have been good after surpassing all expectations in the FIFA Confederations Cup when reaching the Semi-Finals, before losing 1-0 to Brazil.

South Africa Qualifying Statistics:

This will be the very first World Cup held on South African soil.
The pressure is firmly on the South African players with many punters and even FIFA President Sepp Blatter concerned over the quality of the South African team.
This will be South Africa’s third World Cup after missing out on the 2006 finals but previously qualifying for both the 1998 & 2002 World Cups.

World Cup Potential:  2/5

The only thing favouring the South African’s is that they’re the host country. They will receive a tremendous reception in the opening game and will also sell out their games with ease as the Bafana Bafana faithful do their best to push South Africa to victory. However, without the support, South Africa wouldn’t have a hope in hell. If the players thrive on the atmosphere then they could surprise a few but that’s a big ‘IF’.

South Africa World Cup Betting Odds

South Africa to win the World Cup:         500/1 – bWin

Before the World Cup the odds on South Africa were 150/1 

Official South Africa World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs)

Shu-Aib Walters (Maritzburg United)

Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates)

Defenders

Matthew Booth (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Siboniso Gaxa (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Bongani Khumalo (Supersport United)

Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa, Israel)

Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth)

Anele Ngcongca (Racing Genk)

Siyabonga Sangweni (Golden Arrows)

Lucas Thwala (Orlando Pirates)

Midfielders

Surprise Moriri (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Lance Davids (Ajax Cape Town)

Kagisho Dikgacoi (FC Fulham)

Teko Modise (Orlando Pirates)

Reneilwe Letsholonyane (Kaizer Chiefs)

Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs)

Thanduyise Khuboni (Golden Arrows)

Steven Pienaar (Everton)

Macbeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan)

Strikers

Katlego Mphela (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Siyabonga Nomvete (Moroka Swallows)

Bernard Parker (FC Twente Enschede)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 South Africa Fixtures – Group A

World Cup Group A - Table

 World Cup Fixtures and Results

World Cup Group of South Africa