2010 FIFA World Cup: Will Benni Make South Africa's Squad?

Possible 23 Man Squad:

Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates), Rowen Fernandez (Arminia Bielefeld, Germany)

Defenders: Siboniso Gaxa, Matthew Booth (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Lucas Thwala (Pirates), Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth, England, captain), Bongani Khumalo (SuperSport), Siyabonga Sangweni (Golden Arrows), Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa, Israel), Bryce Moon (PAOK, Greece)

Midfielders: Steven Pienaar (Everton, England), Teko Modise (Pirates), Siphiwe Tshabalala, Reneilwe Letsholonyane (both Chiefs), Thanduyise Khuboni (Arrows), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Fulham, England), Macbeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan, Russia), Surprise Moriri (Sundowns)

Strikers: Benni McCarthy (West Ham United, England), Katlego Mphela (Sundowns), Bernard Parker (FC Twente, Holland) and Siyabonga Nomvete (Moroka Swallows)

With the announcement of the South African National Team to take place tomorrow, players will be hoping to give a lasting impression to coach Carlos Perreira when they face Guatemala in an international friendly later this evening.

South Africa have been on a 10-match unbeaten run, but against so-called moderate opposition, with the toughest game coming against Paraguay.

Last year, the host nation proved that with hard work and a country behind you, the possibilities are huge. Bafana Bafana made it through to the semifinal, where they faced Brazil during the Confederations Cup. Brazil were held scoreless until the 87th minute, until substitute Dani Alves came and scored the winning goal via a spot kick.

Now, a year later, they will look to face another stern test when they face Mexico in the opening match at Soccer City, Johannesburg.

The possible 23-man squad, as mentioned above, includes some of the most well-known names, not just in South Africa.

West Ham United Striker Benni McCarthy, who also won the UEFA Champions League under Jose Mourinho with FC Porto, is one of the most likely names to make the squad. While current Everton Player of the Season, Steven Pienaar, is one of the starting 11, never mind just being part of the 23.

Macbeth Sibiya, well known in the Russian League with Rubin Kazan, will look to play the defensive role in the midfield.

Local boys Teko Modise and Siphiwe Tshabalala will look to be the engine room in the South African midfield creating play an distributing to the front men.

While there are 28 men currently on the roster, only 23 can be selected. With the show piece to be staged on home soil, the desire to be a part of the host team has created a real hunger within the squad.