Richardson, who was playing in the Virgin Invitational Cricket Match at Kensington Oval yesterday, said the regional players will have to play to their strengths if they want to topple the Proteas in the five-Test series, starting at Johannesburg in late November.
``I have to back the West Indies. I believe as long as we play well and dig in we should get the upper hand,'' said Richardson, who captained the West Indies in a One-Day triangular series in South Africa back in 1993.
He added that bowling could be the key as long as veterans Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh got the support of those around them.
``Our bowlers are going to have to work very hard, with Ambrose and Walsh expected to do most of the work.
``The youngsters will have to pull their weight, because 'Ambi' and Walsh have been going for a long time and need some support.
``Nixon McLean has got a lot of pace and if he can get his rhythm right he could be an asset. He can be very quick but for the West Indies to win they will have to bowl South Africa out twice and bat well.''
Two other youngsters – Franklyn Rose and Mervin Dillon – also make up the West Indies pace attack, while leg-spinner Dinanath Ramnarine, and the off-spin of all-rounder Carl Hooper are expected to provide variety to the attack.
Richardson, who had two first-class seasons with Northern Transvaal after his retirement from international cricket in 1996, added that the South Africans would be a handful but could be toppled.
``The South Africans try very, very hard; they give it their all. They are never relaxed in the field and are always giving 100 per cent.
``A guy like Jonty Rhodes could come in late and hang in there when the chips are down. They fight really hard.''
The 36-year-old Richardson added that in Allan Donald, the South Africans have a top-class strike bowler and Shaun Pollock could also be a handful. The unorthodox left-arm spin of Paul Adams could create some worry, he said.
Richardson also hailed the facilities in South Africa.
``Conditions are very good. There are no better facilities in international cricket. Things are well-organised and totally professional and our players should have a good time.
``But they must not be too complacent. The job is to beat South Africa.''