SA all set to deliver world-class Confeds Cup

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Johannesburg - South Africa is all set and ready to deliver a world-class 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, says Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chief Executive Officer Danny Jordaan.

Addressing reporters on the state of readiness for the tournament on Thursday, Dr Jordaan said all plans were in place for South Africa to host a world-class event.

"Today is a month before the kick off of the FIFA Confederations Cup and as the LOC we want to assure the world that we are prepared to deliver a world-class Confederations Cup.

"Our operational plans have been finalised and we are confidently prepared for the event. Security plans are impressive, stadiums are in good condition for the matches and our transportation systems are in place," Dr Jordaan said.

He said a total of 351 121 tickets had been sold of the 640 000 tickets available for the tournament, urging South Africans to go out in their numbers to purchase tickets and be a part of this historic event.

"We approach the tournament with confidence. Our stadiums are ready, our transport and security plans have been fine-tuned and more than 4000 volunteers have been trained in preparation for the major FIFA tournament on African soil," he said.

According to the LOC, all the logistics for the tournament were up to date, including transportation and medical services.

There will be a tournament operational division which will be stationed to meet the needs of the teams and match officials, with a media centre set up next to stadiums to ensure that media houses can function in a good and conducive environment.

Dr Jordaan has also confirmed that transportation and accommodation for delegations and teams are ready; adding that the Department of Transport has played a pivotal role in assuring that the transportation system will be well prepared.

The transportation operational plan has also been finalised with routes confirmed, shuttle operations are well prepared and team arrival procedures have been completed.

Meanwhile, SA Express has introduced new flight services which will accommodate the night matches and the charter aircraft will be available to ensure that transportation systems operate accordingly.

Dr Jordaan emphasised that taxi associations will not strike during the event as the negotiations between the association and the new administration under President Jacob Zuma were underway.

The tournament involving the champions of the six FIFA Confederations, as well as FIFA World Cup holders Italy and host South Africa kicks off on 14 June with a match between South Africa and Asian champions, Iraq, at the Coca Cola Park in Johannesburg.