South Africa
Coach: Carlos Alberto Parreira
The host nation are currently managed by the Brazilian legend Carlos Alberto Parreira who will be charged with leading the side in the World Cup. He was in charge for the 2009 Confederations Cup when the South Africans came a decent fourth spot after coming through the group stages.World Cup 2010 Qualifying:
As hosts of World Cup 2010 South Africa have qualified automatically. In preparation, South Africa had a good Confederations Cup 2009 to see them reach the Semi-Final stage which will have boosted their confidence ahead of the big one in 2010. South Africa failed to qualify for the 2010 African Cup of Nations which was a big blow to them as they will have seen little competitve football. They will have to cope with just friendlies from now on and they will be looking to gain some positive results so they can build some momentum.Past World Cup Performance:
In 1991, with the apartheid system beginning to be demolished, a new multiracial South African Football Association was formed, and admitted to FIFA. On 7 July 1992, the South African national team played their first game in two decades, beating Cameroon 1-0. South Africa made the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, but failed to get out of the first round each time. They hosted (and won) the 1996 African Nations Cup and will host the 2010 World Cup, the first African nation to do so. South Africa have a tough draw and will find it difficult to make it past the group stages. The hosts will face France, Uruguay and Mexico.South Africa - Key Players
Steven Pienaar - Everton
Araon Mokoena (Capt) - Portsmouth
Bernard Parker - FC Twente
