The players admitted in the wake of their 1-1 draw with Mexico in Friday's first game of the tournament they were very nervous and fortunate not to be trailing by halftime.
"For most of us it was our first World Cup game," midfielder Steven Pienaar offered by way of explanation.
But, almost to a man, the South Africa players told reporters a new-found confidence will be evident from the start of Wednesday's Group A match at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
"Our goal is to get to the knockout round and we are confident of doing that," said central defender Bongani Khumalo.
Fullback Siboniso Gaxa added: "It is very important to win if we want to qualify. We have to start this time on a high note and I know we are going to do our level best."
"We won't change anything about our plans. It's all about hard work and confidence and self belief," added Siphiwe Tshabalala, who scored a stunning goal against Mexico.
Oscar Tabarez's side, having earned a point with a dogged display in a goalless draw with France in Cape Town on Saturday, will need to go on the attack against South Africa.
"Our next match requires a new dimension. We always say the first game defines how the group will evolve but in this instance the next game now will shape the group," said Tabarez.
"Suarez didn't give his best perhaps but there were certain circumstances," Tabarez said.
"It's not good to change players who didn't give their best performances, then they lose even more confidence."
