1. South Africa There's probably no quicker way to "break the ice" with the South..

2.  SA cricket was isolated from the rest of the world for 21 years because of apartheid. Isolation came at a time when the country could fairly claim to be the top test- playing nation in the world, having just pummelled the powerful Australians.

3. South Africa rugby  For many South Africans, rugby is a serious matter, a source of bursting pride - or shattering disappointment. The country has traditionally fared well on the world stage, and SA fans expect the national team to win every game they play.

4. South Africa horse raceing  Horse racing is a popular sport in SA, with regular racing taking place around the country. The sport enjoys a long and rich history in South Africa that can be traced back to 1797!

5.  Four-time winners of SA's Premier Soccer League since its launch in 1997, "The Buccaneers" are the only South African team so far to have won Africa's premier club competition, the Champions League, a feat they achieved in 1995.

6.  These deals combined have made South Africa's Premier Soccer League the seventh biggest earner of sponsorship revenue among football leagues worldwide.