IVORY Coast star Didier Drogba reckons South Africa will surprise many people across the globe by putting together a successful 2010 Fifa World Cup.

IVORY Coast star Didier Drogba reckons South Africa will surprise many people across the globe by putting together a successful 2010 Fifa World Cup.

Drogba, one of Africa's best soccer exports, has also urged South Africans to rally behind the ailing national squad Bafana Bafana, despite having become a laughing stock under coach Joel Santana.

While many people have lost hope in Bafana Bafana, Chelsea's golden striker said it was too early to write off captain Aaron Mokoena and company.

"They (Bafana Bafana) can go far in this tournament, people must just get behind the national team. It was the same with France in 1998. No one said they could do anything and they won it," said Drogba, whose country qualified after a 1-all draw with Malawi.

The Elephants, who have other household names like Salomon Kalou, Yaya Toure and Emmanuel Eboue, are Africa's third qualifiers after Ghana and hosts South Africa.

The popular Drogba said a successful 2010 Fifa World Cup would change perceptions of the African continent.