Johannesburg - FIFA and the 2010 Local Organising Committee (LOC) on Monday marked the 500th day to go to the first African soccer world cup kicks off.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Local Organising Committee, Danny Jordan has pledged that South Africa is prepared to host a world class African Confederations Cup as well as the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
"We've come a long way since 15 May 2004 and a lot has been achieved so far. With impressive stadiums taking place and so many infrastructural improvements changing the face of South Africa as we lead up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
"We have a great deal yet to accomplish in a short time and we are on a very tight schedule. Despite the pressure, we are confident the preparation will be completed on time," he said.
Chairman of the LOC, Dr Irvin Khoza said 11 June 2010, when the tournament opening match is played at the iconic soccer stadium will be a historical moment.
"The hosting of the world will leave a substantial legacy for our country. Today is the day of celebration of the substantial progress we've made," he said.
Dr Khoza thanked all the host cities for the magnificent work they were doing. He also paid tribute to the tens of thousand of women and men around the country who were tirelessly striving to make the event a reality.
Ten world-class stadiums are on track to be completed by the end of 2009, well ahead of the start of the World Cup six months later.
The four existing stadiums, Ellis Park, Free State, Royal Bafokeng and Loftus Versfeld, will get their dress rehearsal long before June 2010, because they will host the FIFA Confederations Cup from 14 to 28 June this year.
Speaking to reporters, FIFA Secretary General, Jerome Valcke said FIFA was convinced that transport, security and technology plans were all at advanced stages to ensure that teams and spectators were properly catered for during the tournament.
Roads railway and public transport projects have turned cities into building sites and police have embarked on massive recruitment drive increasing numbers by 41 000 to over 190 000.
About 41 000 officers will be deployed specifically for the event.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter urged the world to trust South Africa and Africa to deliver a successful world world cup.
"The challenge for South Africa is to deliver the world cup at the highest possible level. They will do it especially with all the arrangements, they've made in terms of construction, technical and logistical infrastructure which is transport, hospitality and accommodation because this country is organised," he said in an interview with FIFA, acknowledging progress made so far.
The highlight of the 500 days celebrations was the launch of the official posters of the nine world cup host cities which is Johannesburg, Polokwane, Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein/Mangaung, Nelspruit, Rustenburg,Nelson Mandela Bay and Pretoria.
The embassy of reigning FIFA World Cup champions Italy kicked off the celebrations by visiting two schools in Bloemfontein/Mangaung as part of the LOC's schools campaign.
For the FIFA Confederations Cup, schools in all provinces have adopted a participating country and the Free State province has adopted Italy.
The pupils will learn about the football and culture of those countries. Phil Masinga and Mark Fish, the former South African internationals who played in Italy for Bari and Lazio respectively, joined the Italians at this occasion.
The next important moment for fans will be on 20 February 2009 when ticket sales for the 2010 FIFA World Cup will open via the official website www.FIFA.com.
