With the start of the 2010 World Cup just hours away when hosts South Africa play Mexico in the opening fixture, it may be of interest to note that Brentford played a part in the early days of this comparatively "new to the world stage", footballing nation.

It was back in 1924 when South Africa was on a football educational tour to the UK. Having previously played Dublin and Wimbledon, Griffin Park then played host to them on Wednesday 10th September thus Brentford became the first professional club to play them.

The touring side played 26 matches whilst on their travels and this their third game was their first defeat with Brentford winning 3-1. South Africa weren`t to suffer another defeat for ten games and then it was against Wales 1-0.  

Brentford were represented by W Young, H Thorne, E Cooke, W Broadbent, W Inglis, T Cain, H Summers, W Clayson, R Parker, H Williams & W Relph.

The South African side were made up of players from Western Province (5), Transvaal (4) and Natal (2).