Hundreds of people from Soweto and neighbouring areas rallied behind the national team at Orlando Stadium on Friday, in a great show of support for Bafana Bafana ahead of their opening clash against Asian champions, Iraq tomorrow.

Among the fans was 39 year old Tabane Mokone, who says that the FIFA Confederations Cup should inspire all South Africans to get behind Bafana Bafana as they go head to head against the world's best on home soil.

"I am a South African so of course I will support Bafana Bafana wholeheartedly - as we all should, if we are to call ourselves ‘proudly South African.'

With no doubt that the momentum of support is growing Mokone adds; "Just look at all the people that have come here today; everyone is rallying around the national team. On Sunday there will be multitudes of supporters."

This year's tournament marks South Africa's second appearance in the FIFA Confederations Cup having first participated in the 1997 tournament. Bafana Bafana was knocked out in the Group stage after a 4-3 defeat against Hungary.

Young Bafana Bafana fans posited their views on the team's success this time around, saying favourites such as Teko Modise, Simphiwe Tshabalala and Steven Pienaar would take the team far in the tournament.

Nyakatisa Fane, a Grade 10 pupil at Orlando High said, "The players look good. I'm sure we can beat Iraq on Sunday."

With an attentive eye on the players' training session an equally confident Mokone added, "We are definitely going to win on Sunday and looking at their fitness and dedication, we might just make it to the finals."

In Mangaung/Bloemfontein, the world's most successful footballing nation, Brazil, trained at Seisa Ramabodou stadium in front of a an estimated crowd of 6000 people yesterday afternoon.

The home stadium of local favourite team, Bloemfontein Celtic, renowned for its fervent supporters, resounded with "Kaka" and "Robinho" songs, as the football giants entertained the crowd ahead of their opening match against Egypt on Monday.