Johannesburg, Sept. 21: Despite their best efforts, South Africa had been unable to shed the "chokers" tag that they picked up back in the semi-finals of the 1999 World Cup. Thereafter, other than winning the first ICC Knock-Out Trophy (as the Champions Trophy was earlier named in 1998 at Dhaka), their trophy cupboard remains largely bare. Surprising, considering the quality of cricket they play till the crunch.

And while Proteas skipper Graeme Smith faced no "choking" questions ahead of their tournament opener against Sri Lanka at Centurion on Tuesday, he was at pains to point out that there was no pressure on them both as hosts as well as the number one team in the world ODI rankings ahead of India and Australia.

"These are things that we have worked for," he said. "Two and a half, three years ago, we started a plan and we wanted to achieve these things, to be number one in both formats of the game is a massive honour. We are the only other team bar Australia that has been able to achieve that.

"So for us to have those trophies in the cabinet is a credit to the manner we have played the game, credit to the manner in which we have toured the world and be successful. That's an honour, it's a privilege. This tournament is very different in our eyes, it is a challenge. It's a shorter format, it's cut-throat in a way," he said.

Smith was of the opinion that playing an international so early in their season would be a novel experience for his side. "I haven't had a chance to look at the pitch yet. Even though these are home conditions, we don't play too much international day-night cricket around this time of the year normally.

"So there are a few unknowns for us also. But generally, Centurion is a wonderful ground to play on, the pitch is normally very good." The gritty left-hander deflected rival captain Kumar Sangakkara's suggestion that the weight of expectations were more on the home side than on any of the others here. "It's a natural thing for Sangakkara to say. Passing the buck has become a regular thing as an international captain these days.

"At the end of the day, their record in these tournaments speaks for itself, they are often in finals. They were in the T20 final not so long ago.

"They are a team with a lot of variety and a team that deserves a lot of respect. But in saying that, from our perspective, it has been about preparing as well as we can, making sure we are ready for tomorrow," he said.