Bafana Bafana Declare War on Mexico!

Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira "declared war" on Mexico as he named the starting XI that will do battle in the World Cup opener at Soccer City at 4pm.



"Playing in the opening match of the World Cup is special. But out there on Friday against Mexico it will be a battle, no make that a war and we are ready for it," said Parreira, who announced that the same starting line-up that beat Denmark 1-0 at the weekend would take to the field for the opening whistle.



“I am more than satisfied with the side that started against Denmark so there is no need to change. I am confident we can deliver the goods.” added Parreira, coaching at his sixth World Cup.



He plans to give Bafana one more important message in the dressing room before they walk on to the field on Friday. “My message to them will be to go out and enjoy the game.”



Skipper Aaron Mokoena said Parreira had given Bafana back their self-belief since he took charge of the side last November: “We are more relaxed, much fitter and hungrier. This is a big game of our country.



"We know we have to go out there and get a result. But the coach has made it easy for us by keeping the pressure off us and keeping us relaxed. He has had experience of being in this position a number of times and that experience has been a great help to us in the build-up to this match.”



The Portsmouth defender added that he had plenty of respect for Mexico especially their three pronged attack: “They have pace and skill. They are going to be a handful but we can cope. We are going to give it a go and make it really difficult for Mexico. The talking is over now it is time for us to do get out there and show the country what we are made of.”



The fact that only three overseas-based players, Mokoena, Steven Pienaar of Everton and Fulham anchorman Kagisho Dikgacoi are starting the match demonstrates the faith he places on the local players whom he knocked into shape in the three training camps during 2010.



Parreira said he and the players were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support on Wednesday when thousands of fans took to the streets of Sandton to cheer on the players in a pre-tournament open bus parade.



“South Africans are similar to Brazilians when it comes to soccer. The people are in love with Bafana players. They are all celebrities. It was incredible and we are grateful to the nation. Now it is our turn to deliver,” he said, adding that Bafana were ready to make the country proud.



Mexican coach Javier Aguirre was almost arrogant in his dismissal of Bafana fans' off-the-field celebrations. “I don’t care what the opposition does in their spare time. It does not concern me.”



The former Mexican star added that his players were too experienced to suffer stage fright in front of a capacity 94,000 crowd of mainly Bafana supporters.



Aguirre said: “We did not come here to make friends but to beat South Africa in the opening match. This is a once-in-a-lifetime match."



Bafana Bafana: Itumeleng Khune, Siboniso Gaxa, Aaron Mokoena (captain), Bongani Khumalo, Lucas Thwala, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Teko Modise, Steven Pienaar, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Katlego Mphela.

* Timeslive