Plenty of possession and rotation of the ball is what coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has prepared for his side. He wants rapid passing and quick movement off the ball and a level of fitness that will wear down opponents.
South Africa will use the midfield acumen of Steven Pienaar and Teko Modise to probe and try break through the centre but wing play will be as important with Siphiwe Tshabalala tricky on the left and Siboniso Gaxa likely to play right back and storm down that flank.
Unlike his predecessor Joel Santana, Parreira is expected to play just a single defensive midfielder with Kagisho Dikgacoi likely to get the nod ahead of MacBeth Sibaya. He is quicker and more adventurous.
Benni McCarthy and Bernard Parker are fancied to be the two upfront with Parker more mobile but all looking to McCarthy for his finishing. Captain Aaron Mokoena is key in the centre of defence while Tsepo Masilela is strong on the left
Team – 4-4-1-3-2
Khune; Gaxa, Masilela, Morris, Mokoena; Dikgacoi; Tshabalala, Pienaar, Modise; McCarthy Parker.
