But it is crucial that the South Africans collect three of those points when they meet Benin in their opening Group D match in Sfax next Tuesday night.

That is the opinion of Bafana's veteran midfield maestro, John "Shoes" Moshoeu: "Benin are a closed book to us. But by hook or by crook we have to get three points next Tuesday no matter what," he said.

"This is one game where we have to pick up the pieces and end this series of four successive defeats. We have to get rid of this losing mentality. We cannot allow losing to become a habit.

"There will be no better chance than beating Benin to put matters right. It will enable us to set up the platform where we can start to progress in the tournament.

"I would be the last person to disrespect Benin because I know nothing about them, but we have to look at ourselves and say, 'Hey, let?s get our act together'. For the good of the team let's get out there and turn the tide and set up a win. I believe that everything else will then fall into place."

Moshoeu (38) and first choice keeper Andre Arendse are the only survivors of the squad that lifted the African Nations Cup on home soil in 1996.

Moshoeu says that a lack of continuity is the reason for the recent run of disappointing results.

"There have been too many changes in the team. One simply has to look at France as a lesson. Despite a lot of criticism from some people, the team management refused to chop and change. The end result was that France became world champions in 1998 and European champions two years later," said Moshoeu.

The firing of head coach Shakes Mashaba, and key overseas-based stars withdrawing for various reasons, has not helped Bafana's cause in northern Africa.

But Moshoeu is optimistic that Bafana can surprise if they get past the tricky first hurdle against Benin.

"I am not even thinking about Nigeria or Morocco, or who we meet after Benin, to complete our group matches. A win over Benin will see us regain our rhythm, our pride and most importantly our self-belief," he says optimistically.

Moshoeu's opinions are supported by Arendse, who says that he hopes that the spirit of '96 will inspire the class of 2004.

"We know we have to put things right and get the three points form Benin. That will take the pressure off us as players. It would set the wheels in motion for a crack at the knockout stages of the tournament," Arendse confirms.

Arendse says that in 1996 Bafana were swept up by a passionate nation at home: "Playing at home was of enormous benefit to us and played a key role in winning the cup and we don't have any of that support here."