Kimberley - Former Bafana Bafana stars Lucas Radebe and Doctor Khumalo were among the people honored by the South African Football Association on Wednesday night for their contribution to the development of sport in Africa.
At a gala dinner hosted by the Northern Cape Premier Hazel Jekins, both Radebe and Khumalo were awarded certificates of lifetime achievement in sport.
The event was part of the celebrations hosted by the provincial government to mark 50 days away from the World Cup kick-off in June.
Both Khumalo and Radebe are South African ambassadors for the 2010 World Cup. Also receiving top awards were Nigerian former footballer JJ Okocha and long time sports activist and head of the International Olympic Committee Sam Ramsamy.
Ramsamy was praised for his role in the transformation of sport in South Africa and representing the country on several sporting bodies across the world.
Speaking at the ceremony, SAFA president Kirsten Nemathandani said the world cup presented South Africa with an opportunity to honour its talented people who have made a meaningful contribution in the country's sport.
"These are men and women we need to acknowledge that without their contribution we would probably be not where we are today," Nemathandani said.
He paid a special tribute to Local Organising Committee CEO Danny Jordaan, describing him as someone who will go down in history as a hero. Jordaan is credited for playing an instrumental role in helping South Africa secure the rights to host the world's biggest sporting event.
He had traveled to more than 150 countries trying to convince football associations that South Africa was ready to host world cup. "His sacrifice has finally paid off and we must never forget heroes like him," Nemathandani said.
"I'm aware that Dr Jordaan has never received any awards but as South Africans we want to say to you we are proud of the work you have done," he said.
Meanwhile, the head of FIFA in South Africa Ron Delmont said the world football body remained encouraged by the enthusiasm shown South Africans towards the tournament.
"Although some areas still need some work, we wish to emphasise that we are on track. We wish to reaffirm the full confidence of the FIFA president (Sepp Blatter) in the local organising committee and the local football association," said Delmont.
Blatter is scheduled to host a video media conference on Friday from Zurich in which he is expected to give FIFA's impressions on the final preparations for the tournament.
