South Africa returned to the world stage in 1992 after the FIFA lifted the ban due to the Apartheid in 1962. In 1998, they managed to qualify for the World Cup held in France though they failed to advance to the second round –as it also happened in Korea-Japan. South Africa had a free ticket to play the World Cup since it was the host country. However, the FIFA and African Cup qualifying stages were held at the same time, and South Africa took part in the latter failing to advance to the second round. The Bafana Bafana team wants to make a good impression on the first World Cup held in the African continent. To make it happen, they acquired once again the Brazilian coach and world champion Carlos Alberto Parreira, who together with Benni McCarthy will lead the team to victory.