The South Americans might have home field advantage in South Africa.

South Africans still love their national football team, Bafana Bafana, but in a surprising move they have thrown their weight behind Brazil as their second team of choice ahead of this year's FIFA 2010 World Cup finals.

With less than 80 days to the kick-off of the spectacular that will enthrall football fans across the globe, a study released by BMI Sport Info, South Africa's leading independent sport and sponsorship Research Company, found massive support for the five-time World Cup winners; twice as much as their closest rivals England.

BMI asked South Africans which teams they would support during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, as well as who their second choice would be if their first choice went out of the competition early.

The survey was conducted in February and March, with methodology based on consumer research among a total sample of 2,400 adults aged 18 years and older. The one-on-one interviews took place nationally, in metropolitan and major urban areas covering individuals from South Africa's diverse background.

"Bafana Bafana definitely have the support of the nation," BMI's Johan Grobler said of the findings, according to Kickoff.com.

"The South Africans received more than 70 per cent of the popular support, showing South Africans are right behind their national heroes in patriotic fashion ahead of this year's tournament.

"But what was also interesting was the way South Africans have fallen for the Brazilian Samba soccer style that has captivated fans at World Cups across the world. English football traditionally has a strong support base in this country, but the Brazilian support was much stronger than that of England."

Brazil were the first choice of 11% of South Africans, but rose significantly to 26% as a second team choice. England were the first choice for 3% of respondents, while 11% said they would support the English as their second team.

Interestingly, total support for Brazil was much higher amongst young adults under 35 years old at 42% versus the 37% overall.

Other teams to receive support were Spain, Italy and Argentina, while African side Ghana, who received zero support as a first choice team, found themselves with 6% when given as a second option.