WITH 51 days to go before kickoff of the soccer World Cup, South African fans are optimistic about Bafana Bafana's recent performances and have high hopes that the team will do well in the tournament. They actually expect Bafana Bafana to "exceed all expectations" in the soccer showpiece.

Many feel that the country will go past the first round, with the more optimistic believing that "our boys" could make a real go of it.

Bandile Nkosi says as long as Bafana Bafana reach the second round he will be happy. "They went to training camps, we spent money on them, they have more than 40million people behind them, they cannot disappoint."

Innocent Khumalo has very high hopes for Bafana. "I think we can reach the final. The boys just have to believe in themselves. They have undergone a lot of training."

Walter Mphahlela says: "I think the boys are ready. They are training harder than before. A semifinal spot is possible. They know each other better than in the past."

Kesentseng Mabutho is not big on words but has a lot of love for Bafana. "I wish the boys the best of luck. I support them because this is my country and I love them."

Sibongile Maziya thinks the inclusion of Teko Modise and Siyabonga Nomvethe will make a difference to Bafana's fortunes. "I think we will do much better in this World Cup."

Lawrence Melman says the training camp in Brazil was the best thing for the team. "I think Bafana will reach the quarterfinals. Steven Pienaar will push the team as he has good international experience, but I will not be upset if they don't get far because we are not the best ranked in the world."