I cannot tell you that South Africa is ready. All countries who have
organized competitions like this were never ready a year before. South
Africa will be ready when the time comes. At the moment work is
underway, Hayatou told journalists in a briefing in Algeria recently.
Construction of sports facilities are going accordingly and security
is being taken seriously. In my capacity as chair of the organising
committee of the World Cup, I visit the country regularly and I can say
that the country will be ready in time for the event, he said.
He challenged journalists to tour South Africa and see for themselves the progress being made.
Hayatou said: There are a lot of detractors. When Africa is mentioned
many see us as incapable. African journalists should take time to go
and see for themselves so they can report correctly and contradict
those who think Africa is not able to organize a World Cup.
You will see for yourself, South Africa will be ready in 2010. I am
sure that people will be satisfied with South Africa especially the
hospitality and facilities which will be put at their disposal.
Generally, most stakeholders in the World Cup, including FIFA, have
expressed satisfaction with South Africa's preparations for the big
event.
Southern African countries like Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia,
Zambia and Zimbabwe are also doing aggressive marketing of their
countries to catch in on the euphoria around the World Cup on their
doorsteps.
CAJ News
Post published in: Zimbabwe Sports News