National Team Coach, Joel Natalino Santana, says Bafana Bafana will target no less than winning the FIFA Confederations Cup when the country hosts the tournament from 14 to 28 June 2009. South Africa is in Group A and play the opening with Asian champions, Iraq at Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg on 14 June 2009 at 4pm. Also in our group are European champions Spain and Oceania titleholders New Zealand.

“We will focus our energies to reaching the final of this tournament,” says Santana. “We don't choose opponents and we were ready to accept any opponent before the draw. We accept the results of the draw. It will not have helped to stress before the draw, because one does not choose who to play against. In the Confederations Cup winning the first game gives you 50 percent to move to the next stage of the tournament. We aim to achieve that in the first game, which will not be easy.

“We have plans in place to play tough European champions in our build up towards this tournament. We have numerous young players and we need to strengthen their experience. I'm happy with the way the Team is progressing, though we still have to work on some areas. Our players are a lot like their Brazilian counterparts and like to feel the ball, show skill and play it on the ground. That are our strengths and we must build on that.

“We are starting to see the Team coming together, playing and relating as a family on and off the field. Bafana Bafana will need all round support to achieve this major feat of winning the Confederations Cup because the other Teams will not be coming to South Africa to have a holiday. We are going to need the strength of supporters, the Media and the whole nation. It is not impossible to achieve this, but the cornerstone of this achievement is commitment and discipline.

“That's what I demand of each player. I demand that the players must not go in there and play like cowards and for themselves. I demand that they play for the country first and go all out from the start to give maximum contribution in each game we play. I think the games we've been playing have been showing that players are putting South Africa first and the fruits of that are staring to come out. We think that in 2009 people will see how much we have already improved. I think South Africa will surprise many. All of the teams coming to South Africa are champions. We need to work hard to challenge them,” says Santana.

Group A Teams:

South Africa

Iraq

New Zealand

Spain.

Group B Teams:

USA

Italy

Brazil

Egypt.

Group A fixtures:

14 June - South Africa v Iraq, Johannesburg, 4pm

14 June – New Zealand v Spain, Royal Bafokeng Palace, 8.30pm

17 June – Spain v Iraq, Bloemfontein Stadium, 4pm

17 June - South Africa v New Zealand, Royal Bafokeng Palace, 8.30pm

20 June – Spain v South Africa, Bloemfontein Stadium, 8.30pm.

Group B fixtures:

15 June – USA v Italy, Tshwane, 8.30pm

18 June – USA v Brazil, Tshwane, 4pm

18 June – Egypt v Italy, Johannesburg, 8.30pm

21 June – Italy v Brazil, Tshwane, 8.30pm

21 June - Egypt v USA, Rustenburg, 8.30pm.

Further information on the draw can be found at: www.fifa.com/confederationscup