BAFANA Bafana players will most certainly spend the cold winter nights alone in camp during the World Cup.

Unlike their Brazilian and Argentinian counterparts who will be allowed limited access to their partners, the local lads will be far from the warmth of their partners. And if the nation's prayers are answered and Bafana progress beyond the first round, it could be a long, cold winter for them.

The wives and girlfriends - Wags - are seen by some as a distraction to the players.

"We were given some time off to be with our families after returning from our trips in Brazil and Germany, but I don't know if our partners are going to be allowed to come see us during the tournament," said Bafana midfielder Reneilwe "Yeye" Letsholonyane yesterday.

Striker Katlego "Killer" Mphela said sex before a match is a "no no" for him. "As people, we have different beliefs. Some people do it, but personally I wouldn't do it. I am normally tired after spending the night with a woman, so it would definitely affect my performance during a match," Mphela said.

He said they will get visitors during the tournament, although it will not be for long. "I think visitors will be allowed, but they won't be allowed to sleep over."

Mphela also welcomed the break they were given after their overseas trips. "We were given five days off after the Brazil trip and two days off after the Germany trip. It was really good as we got to relax and see our families."

Thabiso Nkosi, an occupational therapist from Pretoria, said sex before games could be detrimental to a player's performance on the pitch.

"It affects them because of the fatigue and stamina lost during sex. Psychologically, it also affects them because during the game they might think about it," Nkosi said.

"If they spend a lot of time together, they could become very aggressive, which would see them being very combative on the field of play," he warned.

Attempts to get comment yesterday from team manager Dennis Mumble wereunsuccessful.