Nickname: Bafana Bafana Caretaker Coach: April 'Styles' Phumo Captain: Mbulelo Mabizela Nations Cup record: Winners 1996; Runners-up 1998; Qualified five times

The crisis which crippled South Africa's preparations came to a head the day before Bafana Bafana's departure for Tunisia when coach Ephraim 'Shakes' Mashaba was fired.

Mashaba stood accused, among other things, of failing to promote the South African Football Association's image, a matter of some concern given they are one of five countries bidding to host the 2010 World Cup finals.

But the move to replace the outspoken coach with his assistant April 'Styles' Phumo has cast serious doubts over Bafana Bafana's ability to make an impact in Tunisia.

The absence of key overseas-based players like Quinton Fortune and Benni McCarthy robs the team of two players capable of lifting the entire side to levels it may never reach on its own.

Coach

April 'Styles' Phumo has the difficult task of picking up the pieces and leading Bafana Bafana in the wake of Mashaba's dismissal.

Styles Phumo is a former coach of Lesotho

The 63-year-old is South African-born but has spent much of his life in Lesotho, where he was twice national coach of the tiny mountain kingdom.

A lot will depend on Phumo's ability to rally his troops as well as finding an answer to the inconsistencies that blighted his team's qualifying campaign.

Key players

At just 23 years of age, Mbulelo Mabizela is expected to be a feature of the South African defence for many years to come. The Bafana Bafana captain has solidified his presence in the national team with some top-drawer displays in recent months.

Mabizela joined Tottenham Hotspur from Orlando Pirates after the English Premiership side's pre-season tour of South Africa last year.

MacBeth Sibaya is a tough customer

If South Africa reach the final in Tunisia, it is safe to say that MacBeth Sibaya will have played a major role. Sibaya is virtually unknown on the African circuit but is tough as teak and a tigerish ball-winner.

The South Africans will definitely need him to be on top of his game if they are to get anything out of this Nations Cup.

Jacob Lekgetho is probably the most outstanding of the South African contingent based in Russia, where he turns out for Lokomotiv Moscow.

The dreadlocked defender is a strong tackler with great aerial ability, and looks set to develop into one of African football's top defensive talents.

South Africa are in the toughest group of the tournament and their clash with Nigeria is undoubtedly one of the most eagerly-awaited matches of the whole competition.

Without the considerable talents of McCarthy and Fortune, they lack invention and if it's goals you are looking for, then avoid Bafana Bafana's games.

The South Africans could still have a good Nations Cup campaign but they are unlikely to have a great one.