South Africa's beloved plastic vuvuzela horns have escaped a possible red card but Uruguay will try to silence the buzz surrounding South Africa's bid to reach the second round on Wednesday.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter said on Monday it would be a mistake to ban the horns, citing the musical traditions of Africa, after the head of the World Cup organising committee chairman opened the door for a possible ban.

That means thousands of vuvuzela-tooting supporters will be on hand at Loftus Versfeld, the same pitch where Ghana beat Serbia 1-0 on Sunday to become the first African side to win a World Cup match on African soil.

South Africa drew 1-1 with Mexico in the World Cup opener last Friday while Group A rivals Uruguay and France played to a goal-less draw, leaving both available spots in the last 16 up for grabs and adding tension to their next matches.

"Uruguay will be in trouble if we carry on where we left off against the Mexicans," said South African midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala, whose opening goal of the tournament was the first World Cup goal on African soil.

"A win against Uruguay will virtually seal our passage into the second round and make the nation even prouder."

South African captain Aaron Mokoena called vuvuzelas "our 12th man that we need. It's our weapon. We don't mind vuvuzelas at all."

The not-so-secret weapon of "Bafana Bafana" (The Boys) raises a loud buzz in stadiums that has sparked complaints from players and broadcasters.

World Cup organising committee boss Danny Jordaan said on Sunday the vuvuzela could be banned, while such stars as Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo criticised the trumpets.

"It is difficult for anyone on the pitch to concentrate," Ronaldo said. "A lot of players don't like them but they are going to have to get used to them."

France captain Patrice Evra is supportive of a vuvuzela ban, saying the noise was a factor in the draw with Uruguay and adding, "We can't hear one another out on the pitch because of them."

That's just how South Africans like it, so expect some noise when the French face South Africa on June 22 in a match likely to decide both team's fate since the hosts opened with an emotional draw.

"We've got to build from the first game," Mokoena said. "The confidence is still there among the boys."

Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar said his side will be no less formidable than against Mexico.

"We just have to go on," Pienaar said. "We can only get better now."

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez knows his side will need every point it can get to avoid being left out of the last 16.

"All the teams are on the same footing now," he said. "The group is now evenly balanced and the next games will be crucial."

Uruguay striker Diego Forlan, an Atletico Madrid standout, will be a formidable challenge for South Africa centreback Bongani Khumalo, but also a great inspiration for him to produce his finest hour.

"Diego is a world-class footballer, but the whole point of playing in this tournament is to test yourself against the best," Khumalo said. "There is no fear of Forlan nor Uruguay."

KEY TO MATCH:

Now that the vuvuzela situation is settled, the key figures to be how well Khumalo, a standout for South African champion Supersport United, and Bafana Bafana's defence can contain Forlan.

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