Africa Cup of Nations preview: South Africa

Big things are expected of this year's hosts as they participate in their first Africa Cup of Nations since 2008.

Bafana Bafana will be buoyed by the fact that they won the tournament the last time that they staged it in 1996 - their only previous triumph.

However, the competition will be a test of coach Gordon Igesund and his players with the pressure sure to be a huge burden on the team.

Group: A

Players to watch out for:

Siphiwe Tshabalala The slippery midfielder is the most-capped member of the South African squad and his handy knack of chipping in with goals makes him an integral part of Bafana Bafana. He also has an absolute rocket of a left foot.

Katlego Mphela You don't get a nickname like 'Killer' for nothing. The quick and powerful 28-year-old is lethal in the penalty area and he is sure to ruffle plenty of feathers in the group stage.

Previous best: Winners 1996

Odds to win outright: 6/1

Sports Mole says: Semi-finals