SA more than ready to host World Cup

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Pretoria- With four days to go before the kick-off of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa is more than ready to host the spectacle, says President Jacob Zuma.

"South Africa is more than ready. For us the World Cup has already begun," President Zuma told journalists on Sunday.

The president said the country has been preparing for the tournament since 15 May 2004. He acknowledged the role played by FIFA President Sepp Blatter for his confidence in South Africa's ability to host the World Cup in the face of doubt and Afro-pessimists.

"It is clear that millions of our people have waited for years and look upon the tournament with hope, pride and a sense of belonging," said the President who also acknowledged that the South African flag has become the most popular item on shopping lists auguring well for nation building.

"This explosion of national pride is a priceless benefit of the World Cup tournament," he added.

The president added that the national team, Bafana Bafana, is ready and in fighting form ahead of Friday's first game against Mexico.

Yesterday the national team beat Denmark 1- nil in Atteridgeville after beating Guatemala last week 5-nil.
Blatter who accompanied Zuma to the briefing said: ""It was a long way to come with FIFA's World Cup to Africa and to connect it with South Africa to make it an African World Cup. It was a long way to come but we did it. It's an African World Cup and all the world."

Blatter will be bestowed with the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo tomorrow at the official welcome dinner hosted by government.

"It is now all systems go. Well done South Africa! Well done FIFA, well done to the world! Let the games begin on Friday!" remarked Zuma.