Belief is the new motto within the Bafana Bafana set-up from coach Pitso Mosimane.
“I believe we have a team. I believe we have a plan,” he said on Wednesday night after his team's lacklustre 0-0 draw with Senegal at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Bafana have failed to win a game in their last eight fixtures.
While public pressure mounts on the squad and Mosimane with every match they fail to win, they are still a work in progress and will require patience.
“It's a test of character. The stress is with my family as well,” said Mosimane.
“I've been a footballer and know how it feels.
“But we need to continue playing the big teams. And yes, we will struggle.”
Bafana should have clinched the match against Senegal with the chances they created.
“I got frustrated too, I saw many chance there,” Mosimane said.
“May Mahlangu could have wrapped it up early in the game. Teko Modise as well later in the game.
“We are playing and creating chances. But their goalkeeper was also outstanding for them.”
Mosimane was forced to be cautious with wingback Tsepo Masilela and midfielder Kagiso Dikgacoi in the match, with both players carrying hamstring ailments.
Another setback to their preparations was the late arrivals of the Belgian trio Anele Ngcongca, Siboniso Gaxa and Daylon Claasen.
“I don't have time when the players come on a Tuesday. What can I do?” said Mosimane.
“But, at the same time, it's also an international problem.
“We need to try new formations but don't have time.”
Against Senegal, Mosimane played an offensive-minded formation with Thulani Serero and Edward Manqele alongside Katlego Mphela upfront.
Mahlangu, in his first match at home, had a good showing alongside Dikgacoi and captain Steven Pienaar in midfield.
On the positive side, a good base of players has been created to build on heading into next year's Africa Cup of Nations and possibly the World Cup in 2014.
Not in the current squad are the injured Davide Somma, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Reneilwe Letsholonyane and the Orlando Pirates' players who were not available as they play in the Caf Champions League this weekend.
Mosimane believed that his squad would reap their rewards soon, while boldly predicting a win over Ethiopia in their World Cup qualifier in May.
“I believe we'll break the ice against Ethiopia and start off our program with a win,” Mosimane said.
“The way we've played against Egypt, Ivory Coast, Zambia and Senegal, where we've kept attacking – those are the big teams on the continent, and we've done well against them.
“I don't know if Ethiopia has the strength and the endurance to match Senegal.”
Mosimane said that playing top African opponents was good for the competitiveness of his squad.
“To bring a smaller team and score four or five goals where you'll quickly wipe your sorrows is not a good idea,” Mosimane said.
“Ill rather take stresses against the bigger teams. We will never hide – we believe in this team.
“We are playing well with the ball, everyone can see that. We just don't finish.” – Sapa