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Cape Town - Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter expects his 2019 Africa Cup of Nations squad to be prepared when the 32nd edition of the tournament kicks off later this week.
South Africa spent a few days in Dubai where they faced Ghana in a 0-0 draw on Saturday as their preparations continue ahead of their opening clash Group D clash against Ivory Coast on 24 June.
Other teams in the bracket include Morocco and Namibia in what has been widely termed as the 'group of death.'
Meanwhile, Baxter’s charges have one more friendly to play against Angola on Wednesday when they arrive in Egypt.
Baxter told reporters: "No, they are not (ready), but they will be. That's our first game, you know.
"We are going to play Angola and then with the training that we've got in between now and Ivory Coast, I think we will be ready.
"This is a team in reconstruction. We have not lost in about a year-and-a-half and that's encouraging. But to call us favourites would be ridiculous.
"You've got Cameroon, Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, who will all feel they've got a much better chance than us.
"So what we need to do is keep improving, we need to make sure we play our game with confidence and we don't show any exaggerated respect for anybody.
"We've got to believe that we've got a chance to win. Even though you are not favourites, it does not mean you don't have a chance of winning."
After Bafana get their tournament underway against Ivory Coast on Monday in Cairo they then take on Namibia on Friday, June 28.
Baxter's chargers round off their group stage with a match against Morocco on Monday, July 1.
