By Craig Shelver, Times Live/South Africa
Although Bafana Bafana are now ranked 90th in the world, with North Korea (106th) the only other 2010 World Cup qualifier ranked below them, the hosts are far from second-from-bottom in the betting odds to win the tournament.
Most betting websites have South Africa ranging from 18th to 21st in lists of favourites to win. Home-ground advantage explains the disparity, says Dave Burgin, a senior trader for Ladbrokes UK - something that clearly boosted Bafana's performances against top opposition in the Confederations Cup last year.
"Even though they [Bafana] are in a tough, competitive group, if they qualify [for the last 16] they will be tough for any team to come up against," Burgin told The Times. "Being host nation will play a key role and the backing of the fanatical supporters will be tough for any nation to come up against."
As the odds go, teams like Australia, Denmark and Nigeria - with world rankings far superior to South Africa's - are as likely, or less likely, to win the tournament.
Nigeria and Australia are both ranked 20th on the Fifa rankings and Denmark 35th.
Switzerland (26) and Slovakia (38) are also, according to the bookies, less likely than the host nation to win the soccer showpiece.
The nation is hoping that Bafana can at least make it to the second round of the competition. According to Ladbrokes, South Africa are 11/8 to qualify for the last 16, with Mexico 11/10, Uruguay 10/11 and group favourites France at 1/3.
Previous big-competition performances are also a big factor when odds are compiled.
Spain, for instance, were toppled from the No1 spot on the rankings by Brazil last week. But the European team are still favourites for the World Cup starting in June.
"Spain were impressive when they won the European Championships and are still favourites," Burgin explained
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