If the Proteas can ditch the nervous jitters that routinely accompany them to major cricket tournaments, they have firepower needed to lift the coveted T20 World Cup trophy in Barbados on June 29.
Unlike previous World Cups when team selections proved controversial, this Proteas line-up has been met with almost universal approval.
It is clear coach Rob Walter wants fiery speed merchant Anrich Nortjé to be firing on all cylinders despite a back injury which has limited his time out in the middle.
Walter knows a strike bowler capable of revving it up to 150km/h is weapon capable of striking trepidation into the hearts of opponents.
Much will also depend on old hand Quinton de Kock who was in sublime form at the ODI World Cup in 2023.
If Nortje and De Kock fire in the batting and bowling departments, and their teammates also come to the party, the Proteas will be strong contenders.
Nortje, who asked not to be considered for a national contract, played three matches for the Warriors in the domestic T20 Challenge before flying to India for the IPL.
SA face Sri Lanka in their opening match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in Long Island, New York, on June 3.
The Proteas will also play Bangladesh and the Netherlands in New York and wrap up the group phase against Nepal in St Vincent.
Ottniel Baartman, who will be making his World Cup debut, is a player the Proteas will rely on heavily during the death spell when close games are won and lost.
The surprise omission was Rassie van der Dussen who has been in fine form in the SA20, the Pakistan Super League and the CSA T20 Challenge.
Van der Dussen is a victim of the of the plethora of resources available at the top of the order and the impressive Ryan Rickelton earned his first World Cup call-up.
He will be part of a powerful batting unit led by skipper Aiden Markram that includes Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs.
If they don't wilt in the heat of battle, this Proteas team can go all the way.
HeraldLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.