Cape Town - Football governing body, FIFA, presented the Confederations Cup trophy to President Jacob Zuma in Parliament on Tuesday.
This was the first time in the history of the FIFA Confederations Cup that the trophy was received in the Parliament of the host country.
The trophy was displayed in the National Assembly during President Jacob Zuma's reply to the debate on his recent State of the Nation Address.
The FIFA delegation was received by Members of Parliament singing the world acclaimed song, Shosholoza.
"The visit of the trophy here today should inspire all of you to fill the stadiums! It is the first time in the history of our country that we will write history and I am convinced that all South African's will stand behind Bafana Bafana to make sure that now that we have been handed the Cup, it will not leave again. Let us all go out and support the beautiful game", said President Zuma.
The African National Congress (ANC) Parliamentary Caucus also expressed appreciation for the decision by both Parliament and FIFA to bring the Confederations Cup to Parliament.
ANC Caucus spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said the Caucus appreciated and welcomed the important gesture by the two institutions, as both football and Parliament belonged to the people.
The Festival of the Champions starts in four days and organisers are optimistic that they are more than ready to host the games with the opening match between host South Africa and Asian Cup champions Iraq at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
"I am really impressed to be here today with the trophy kicking-off the final lap to the FIFA Confederations Cup. I would like to thank, on behalf of FIFA, not only President Zuma, the government and the host cities for their exceptional commitment but all South Africans for their support.
"The FIFA Confederations Cup will be the first part of a beautiful story we write together", said FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke.
Sixteen matches in total will be played in the four host cities around South Africa in the dress rehearsal to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The final will be held at Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg on 28 June.
"The FIFA Confederations Cup is a South African affair while we are embracing the world. We are ready, the teams are arriving with all their stars, we look forward to the kick-off on Sunday when a long dream comes true.
"We are ready, the infrastructure is there, and it is unprecedented to have such a strong commitment from government", said LOC Chief Executive Officer, Danny Jordaan.
