Johannesburg - South African coach Joel Santana on Saturday said that his team wanted to play gala football at the Confederations Cup that begins Sunday with the host's Group A match against Iraq.

"Our expectations are those of host of a party. We want to participate in this party. We want to play top class football. We are confident and we are sure of what we are doing.

"We are sure of what it means to our country and to Africa - we want to do well and we are optimistic."

The Brazilian, who took over the Bafana coaching job from his compatriot Carlos Alberto Parreira said that the main objective was the World Cup. "But when you play well things are easier.

"Things are on schedule for our objectives. We have the full support of the people and now we want to deliver.

"The people can see that we are making a huge effort. The fans are willing to back us. We want the fans to participate in the party and we want them to be a part of this."

Team captain Aaron Mokoena, who will be joining English club Portsmouth from Blackburn Rovers at the start of the new season said that the team regarded the Confederations Cup as a dress rehearsal for the World Cup.

"It is a massive tournament and the teams participating are champions."

He said that they would not underestimate their three opponents, Iraq, New Zealand and Spain. "We will never undermine them."

Earlier Saturday the Bafana Bafana received a welcome boost ahead of Sunday's opener when they were visited by South African president Jacob Zuma at their training session.

Zuma, who was wearing a team jersey with his name and number one on the back, shook hands with all the players and told them that he had come to give them his support.

"I am here to give you my support and to tell you that the whole country is behind you, don't focus on what the critics have been saying; just play your game and make the country proud because we have confidence in you."

Zuma, who will be in Ellis Park for the opening match, said that he also brought a message of support from Nelson Mandela.

"I told him that I will be visiting you guys today, and he said please tell them I am too old to visit but they have my support and seeing that I can't come to the stadium I will be watching the match on television," Zuma said.

Mokoena said that the players were very pleased to have been visited by Zuma. "We told him that we will not let the country down. The last time he came to visit us before a game we went on to win. I am hoping we can do the same against Iraq." (dpa)