By Martin Gough BBC Sport in Barbados

Pollock has endured a difficult time in the West Indies

They have been part of one of the world's strongest teams for the last decade but South Africa's golden generation now look destined to end their careers without a World Cup trophy.

Along with ageing stars like Kepler Wessels, youngsters like Allan Donald, Hansie Cronje and Gary Kirsten were part of South Africa's return from sporting isolation in the early 1990s.

But a new group took the stage between 1996 and '98 and have been there ever since.

Mark Boucher, Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs and Shaun Pollock were part of the team generally considered the best at the 1999 World Cup, but which was knocked out after a heart-breaking semi-final tie with Australia.

Makhaya Ntini would have been part of that squad too, were it not for a rape trial in which he was found guilty but later acquitted on appeal.

In 2003 things came undone for a side many tipped to win on home soil and they went through a rebuilding phase, with Pollock sacked as captain, but those five remained at the heart of the team.

Then came 2007, when they went into the World Cup ranked the best side in the world but were wildly inconsistent for much of the tournament before being steamrollered by Australia in the semi-final.

Shaun Pollock is probably the one in the balance, deciding where he wants to go with his future and his career South Africa Graeme Smith

Now those five must consider where their careers go from here and whether they will be around for another shot in 2011.

There are other targets for South Africa before then, though, with a massive 12 months in 2008 and early '09 including a tour of England and home-and-away series against Australia.

At 29, Boucher's place looks secure for now, although AB de Villiers could step up and take the wicket-keeper's gloves.

That would force Boucher to justify his place on batting alone and, with so many similar, big-hitting batsmen in the side that may not be easy.

At the age of 31, Kallis is believed to be considering six-figure contract offers from two county sides.

Amazingly, because of the European court's Kolpak ruling, a batsman ranked in the top 10 in the world in both Tests and ODIs could turn out as a domestic player, although that would mean him ending his international career.

Ntini (left) and Gibbs have been key men for the past five years

Fellow batsman Gibbs, 33, has always been an enigma but is unlikely to be around in four years time and could consider ending his career with a county payday.

Ntini endured a difficult World Cup, taking six wickets in seven games before being dropped for the crucial match against England and left out again for the semi-final.

However, coach Mickey Arthur backed the 29-year-old to come back stronger from the experience.

"In South Africa, Australia and England he's in the top five in the world - he's amazing," said Arthur.

"We've got to work on more variation and make him the complete death bowler as well. Those are his two challenges, only in these [West Indian and Asian] conditions.

"He'll be back as a far stronger and better bowler. He's just had a slight dip and maybe it's a good thing."

At 33, Pollock is more of a doubt. His pace has dropped markedly over the last five years and he was inconsistent in the World Cup, apparently greatly disturbed by the death of his former coach and friend Bob Woolmer.

GOLDEN GENERATION Mark Boucher - debut 1998, age 29, ODIs 243 Jacques Kallis - deb '96, age 31, ODIs 257 Herschelle Gibbs - deb '96, age 33, ODIs 208 Makhaya Ntini - deb '98, age 29, ODIs 243 Shaun Pollock - deb '96, age 33, ODIs 284

"Shaun is probably the one in the balance, deciding where he wants to go with his future and his career," captain Graeme Smith admitted.

"I don't think he will be around at the next World Cup and I don't think he'll mind me saying that. He's got some decisions to make about his family and his career."

Smith played down suggestions the heart of the team may have to be rebuilt.

"There are a few guys who will be around for quite a few years. In 2008 we tour England and Australia so that's a big year for us," he said.

"With these experienced players, plus a few younger players coming through and a few tactical [changes], we can be strong in the next couple of years."

If South Africa regain their consistency they could be strong in two years' time, but 2011 is still a long way off for the golden generation.