Johannesburg - South African President Jacob Zuma has asked local fans for patience with the national team and its coaches in the final countdown to the 2010 home World Cup.

The SAPA newsw agency on Wednesday quoted Zuma as saying in an interview with the SuperSport network that the team has made progress despite the latest setbacks.

Helmsman Joel Santana, who has been on the job since last year, has come under fire after the team lost its last three friendlies against Serbia (3-1), Germany (2-0) and Ireland (1-0).

The losses came after the team had finished a credible fourth place finish at the Confederations Cup in June in home ground, losing the semi-final against Brazil 1-0 on a late goal and the match for third place 3-2 in extra time against Spain.

"It's my view as a soccer player that we are, to some degree, exaggerating our anxiety," SAPA quoted Zuma as saying.

"From where they (the team) were to where they are now, there's been a marked and clear difference. They play a wonderful game and are able to hold powerful sides. I think they play very well."

"The boys can kick ... They can pass, have got stamina and commitment. The country must not condemn them."

But Zuma also joined the growing choir calling for the return of the nation's best striker Benni McCarthy, the 31-year-old Blackburn forward who has not played since early in the year.

"We need a player like McCarthy, not just because he's a good goalscorer, but because he will give encouragement to young players and opponents will be unsettled," said Zuma. (dpa)