Since he succeeded Carlos Queiroz as coach in March, Sono's team have been defeated by Saudi Arabia and Georgia and only managed to defeat Botswana on penalties.

"We showed fight and character. That is what I was looking for," said Sono.

But the coach admitted he is worried by the lack of available time to prepare his squad for the forthcoming World Cup finals.

"I must be one of the craziest coaches around to have accepted this task," said Sono.

"To produce results, you need time with the players.

"That's why I am only worried about the games we play just before the World Cup finals when I'll have all my players together."

South Africa have been drawn in Group B, with Spain, Slovenia and Paraguay.

Scouting mission

Sono has said that he will miss his team's forthcoming friendly against Ecuador on 17 April.

He wants to watch Spain play a warm-up game against Northern Ireland.

The Bafana Bafana coach also said the door is still open to players seeking a place in the World Cup squad.

Sono hinted there could be places for Shaun Bartlett and Mark Fish, who was ignored Carlos Queiroz.

Both players play for English Premiership side Charlton Athletic and have been struggling with injuries.