Fifa World Cup 2010: South Africa (Bafana Bafana)

                                         South African National Football Team

• Confederation: CAF
• Coach: Carlos Alberto Perreira
• Captain: Aaron Mokoena
• Fifa Ranking: 86

• World Cup 2010 Group A
• South Africa; Mexico; Uruguay; France
  

With just under six months ahead of the biggest show piece to be staged on African soil, the host nation look to continue their preparation as they have been group amongst some real competitors in Group A.

With the qualifiers completed, the groups drawn and the stage ready to host the 31 nations from their various confederations, South Africa 2010 is just around the corner.

Lets preview the progress of the National team and the way forward. With former World Cup winning coach, Carlos Alberto Perreira back at the helm, star striker Benni McCarthy also back in the squad could Bafana Bafana at least make it to the quarter-finals.

South Africa's recent form has been a sad tale for many, especially after they've shown a remarkable improvement during the Confederation Cup when they progressed to the semi-finals only to be out done by a 86th minute stunner of a free kick by Brazilian Dani Alves.

Looking ahead to the new year and with the Premier League finishing earlier than usual the squad will be heading for training camps in Brazil followed by another one in Germany as preparation for three tough encounters in the Group Stages.

South Africa have two more confirmed friendlies prior to the main event, a match against South America's Chile then followed by Jamaica. The originally set match against Uruguay was cancelled after the two teams were group together in the World Cup Fina Draw.

Those games mentioned above will be an important marker as to where the team will be in terms of it's preparation and could be a clear indicator for fans and millions of South Africans.

As the weeks go we will look at various aspects of the National Team, the performances of Key Players, the countries preparation and other important facts leading up to the World Cup.