英语文摘：Passion, not money, drives South African football: coach

JOHANNESBURG, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Money is not an issue in the success of South Africa's national football team Bafana Bafana in the FIFA World Cup in South Africa next month, head coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said on Monday.

After a training session at Milpark, Johannesburg, Parreira said commitment, passion, pride and the desire to succeed, rather than money, should drive the side.

He emphasized that financial incentives were not part of his or his players' game plan.

"This is not about money. We are playing in front of our own fans and the players will be motivated by their pride and determination to do well, not by money."

According to the South African Press Association, Parreira said he was happy to play Thailand at Nelspruit's Mbombela Stadium in South Africa's Mpumalnaga province on Sunday.

The Thais would be a good side to begin putting the final touches to his preparations.

Thailand are ranked 105th in the world, with South Africa 90th.

Parreira is still hoping to add Argentina to his list of friendly internationals before Bafana meet Mexico in the opening World Cup match at the Soccer City in Johannesburg on June 11. Mexico are ranked 17th.

Parreira said while Thailand failed to make the World Cup finals, they would provide a stern test for his side.

"I worked in Thailand and know they will give us a good game. They are not the best side in the world, but they are a good side."

Parreria said he still hoped to secure a late friendly against Diego Maradona's Argentina early next month. "We are still talking and negotiating with Argentina so we have to wait and see. I badly want to play a top side like Argentina."