Johannesburg - Former South Africa boss Jomo Sono is confident the country can impress at the Soccer World Cup next month.
Africa's first ever hosts will open the tournament against Mexico on 11 June and Sono insists it is vital Bafana make a strong start if they hope to advance to the second round.
"The match against Mexico on June 11 will be the most crucial one for Bafana Bafana. It won't be (about) tactics," he said at 30-day countdown function at Soccer City on Tuesday.
"Bafana Bafana must first reach the knockout stages and I strongly believe they will make it.
"The coach [Carlos Alberto Parreira] has had quality time with the team to prepare for the World Cup with the camps in Durban, Brazil, Germany and here in Johannesburg.
"In the past, SAFA would just say 'Jomo, come and take over', and the coach is gone just two weeks before the start of the tournament."
He continued: "We have good players like Steven Pienaar, Aaron Mokoena, Kagisho Dikgacoi and Macbeth Sibaya doing well in Europe, which is a plus for Bafana Bafana.
"When a player from Mexico or any of the teams playing against Bafana Bafana sees a lot of smoke in the tunnel on June 11, that will be special projects.
"We hope it will work for us."
Africa's first ever hosts will open the tournament against Mexico on 11 June and Sono insists it is vital Bafana make a strong start if they hope to advance to the second round.
"The match against Mexico on June 11 will be the most crucial one for Bafana Bafana. It won't be (about) tactics," he said at 30-day countdown function at Soccer City on Tuesday.
"Bafana Bafana must first reach the knockout stages and I strongly believe they will make it.
"The coach [Carlos Alberto Parreira] has had quality time with the team to prepare for the World Cup with the camps in Durban, Brazil, Germany and here in Johannesburg.
"In the past, SAFA would just say 'Jomo, come and take over', and the coach is gone just two weeks before the start of the tournament."
He continued: "We have good players like Steven Pienaar, Aaron Mokoena, Kagisho Dikgacoi and Macbeth Sibaya doing well in Europe, which is a plus for Bafana Bafana.
"When a player from Mexico or any of the teams playing against Bafana Bafana sees a lot of smoke in the tunnel on June 11, that will be special projects.
"We hope it will work for us."