New Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has urged South Africans to forget the past as he and his team are starting a new chapter in South African soccer history.

Those were the words of advice given to the bruised and battered Bafana Bafana squad by new head coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, when they arrived for training on Wednesday at the Nelson Mandela University ahead of Saturday's friendly international against Japan.

Bafana midfield star Teko Modise, said the influence of the new coach ? who replaced the out of touch Joel Santana last month - has already inspired the new-look Bafana squad.

Bafana lost eight of their last nine games under Santana who had lost the plot and was shown the door by the South African Football Association after a 1-0 loss away to Iceland, ranked 95th in the world.

Modise said he had been revived and was raring to go after criticism that he looked fatigued for both his club Orlando Pirates and country.

Said Modise after a two hour work out in the hot Port Elizabeth sun: "The new coach has been great so far.

"He told us we must not dwell on the past few months. He said what is done is done and that we start afresh when we face Japan and we are determined to bounce back."

Modise, in then absence of injured Everton star Steven Pienaar, will play a key role in Parreira's plans against a strong Japan side that have already qualified for the 2010 World Cup next June.

And Modise says he is up for the challenge. "I cannot stop people talking or writing that I am tired, but believe me, I am just as hungry as any player in the squad to beat Japan and reverse the string of defeats.

"If I get the opportunity to play, I promise I will make us of it. I will be at my best and work as hard as I can.

"We owe it to everyone to get back on track and Japan is the ideal test for us."

Modise said Parreira had brought a new vibe to the squad that had been missing lately. But he added the inclusion of ace striker Benni McCarthy ? and a couple of budding South African under -20 stars - have made a difference to the squad.

"Benni is going to make the world of difference. He is our top goal scorer and will play a pivotal role.

"You can see the influence he already has on the younger players who look up to him. I am impressed by the new players in the squad.

Modise said playing at home, after playing their last four friendly away internationals in different European countries, will also help Bafana get back onto the winning trail.

"Playing at home in front of our fans will make a huge difference to us as players. It is always tough playing away, but we will have our 12th man in the stands on Saturday and the players appreciate that type of support we are expecting."

The match will be played at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium at 3.30pm.