South Africa full of confidence

South Africa captain Aaron Mokoena says his team must and will win its opening World Cup game against Mexico to kick off the 2010 tournament here on Friday.

As the Rainbow Nation holds its collective breath awaiting the performance of the host nation, Mokoena says his team goes into the opening game supremely confident despite South Africa being the lowest-ranked nation (No.90 on FIFA rankings) to ever host the World Cup.

"What we know for sure is we have to win that game," Mokoena told local media ahead of the clash against 17th-ranked Mexico.

But Mokoena, who plays for recently relegated English Premier League side Portsmouth, is banking on the huge home crowd at Soccer City in Soweto - with its 84,000 capacity - to get Bafana Bafana home in their opening match.

"With the support we've seen at Soccer City, I don't see any chance for the Mexicans on the day," he said.

"The mere fact that we are the first African country to host the World Cup is motivation on its own and we do not need any extra motivation."

"However thinking of the 48 million South Africans out there motivates us to do extra well and we will do well."

Mokoena's confidence is shared by his team-mates despite Mexico's recent warm-up win over reigning world champion Italy.

Fellow defender Matthew Booth said the South African team watched that match and picked up 'a few gaps' in the Mexican team.

"To be honest they benefited from a sluggish Italian defence on the night and we will be better in the opening match," he said.

"And we will also have the advantage of the crowd and its vuvuzelas (the distinct sounding horns that are everywhere in South Africa) on our side at Soccer City."