Addis Ababa - FIFA President Sepp Blatter has reiterated the football world governing body's message that South Africa is the first and only choice to host the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Addressing international observers and African leaders at the African Union's 8th Summit of Heads of State and Government in Ethiopia last night (Monday), Mr Blatter gave the assurance that there was no alternative venue being held in reserve to replace South Africa as the host of the games.
"I would like to tell all critics and those who are doubtful that South Africa can host the World Cup, that the alternative illusion we have in our left hand pocket, B is called South Africa and C is called South Africa," he said.
Mr Blatter reiterated his long-standing position that South Africa was capable of delivering a successful World Cup.
His address was part of the launch of 2007 as the Year of African Football and the launch of legacy projects set to benefit South Africa and the continent long after the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Mr Blatter said South Africa's neighbouring countries should kick start their legacy projects by improving their infrastructure and offering to provide training grounds for the teams set to take part in the soccer spectacular.
The FIFA President said it was fitting that the 2010 FIFA World Cup would take place in Africa, as the continent had contributed many talented players and coaches to the international sport.
The event, he said, would show the international community what Africa was capable of, and cease the patronizing views about it that many in the international community hold.
"The World Cup to South Africa will send a message to the world that the football family trusts Africa," Mr Blatter said.
Recalling, 15 May 2004, the day on which he opened the envelope announcing South Africa won the bid to host the games, Mr Blatter cherished the memory of having stood by former President Nelson Mandela.
Last year, Mr Blatter celebrated with a South African president once more, officially handed over the reigns to President Thabo Mbeki to officially start preparations for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, at the close of the German World Cup in June 2006.
Speaking at Monday's gala dinner, President Mbeki reiterated government's aim for the games to benefit the entire continent and the African diaspora.
"We are also looking at the legacy projects to ensure that the continent benefits from football infrastructure and to mobilise the youth," Mr Mbeki said.
He joined Mr Blatter in reaffirming that the games would be a true success and that South Africa was capable of delivering the best FIFA World Cup ever.
"The World Cup will stay on the African continent," said President Mbeki.
The AU Summit is also the stage for celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Speaking at the celebrations later on Monday evening, Prof Alpha Konare, chairperson of the AU Commission added his vote of confidence that Africa could and would deliver an excellent World Cup.
"I have no doubt that this will be an African World Cup. The 2010 World Cup is ours," Prof Konare said.
The Chairperson of the 2010 Local Organising Committee (LOC) Irvin Khoza echoed President Mbeki's remarks saying the World Cup would have a tangible impact on the lives of South Africans.
Ethiopian residents also voiced their support for South Africa to host the international tournament.
Taxi driver Dereji Mengesitie told BuaNews that he and his countrymen had a sense of ownership about the world cup, as it was being hosted by South Africa.
"You see my friend, South Africa is my second country. I have a big South African flag that I put up when Bafana Bafana plays," he said.
A security officer who preferred to be called Addis said Ethiopians were happy for South Africa for winning the right to host the World Cup on behalf of FIFA.
"We are very happy for South Africa and we believe the World Cup will be a great success for all of us in Africa."
Addressing international observers and African leaders at the African Union's 8th Summit of Heads of State and Government in Ethiopia last night (Monday), Mr Blatter gave the assurance that there was no alternative venue being held in reserve to replace South Africa as the host of the games.
"I would like to tell all critics and those who are doubtful that South Africa can host the World Cup, that the alternative illusion we have in our left hand pocket, B is called South Africa and C is called South Africa," he said.
Mr Blatter reiterated his long-standing position that South Africa was capable of delivering a successful World Cup.
His address was part of the launch of 2007 as the Year of African Football and the launch of legacy projects set to benefit South Africa and the continent long after the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Mr Blatter said South Africa's neighbouring countries should kick start their legacy projects by improving their infrastructure and offering to provide training grounds for the teams set to take part in the soccer spectacular.
The FIFA President said it was fitting that the 2010 FIFA World Cup would take place in Africa, as the continent had contributed many talented players and coaches to the international sport.
The event, he said, would show the international community what Africa was capable of, and cease the patronizing views about it that many in the international community hold.
"The World Cup to South Africa will send a message to the world that the football family trusts Africa," Mr Blatter said.
Recalling, 15 May 2004, the day on which he opened the envelope announcing South Africa won the bid to host the games, Mr Blatter cherished the memory of having stood by former President Nelson Mandela.
Last year, Mr Blatter celebrated with a South African president once more, officially handed over the reigns to President Thabo Mbeki to officially start preparations for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, at the close of the German World Cup in June 2006.
Speaking at Monday's gala dinner, President Mbeki reiterated government's aim for the games to benefit the entire continent and the African diaspora.
"We are also looking at the legacy projects to ensure that the continent benefits from football infrastructure and to mobilise the youth," Mr Mbeki said.
He joined Mr Blatter in reaffirming that the games would be a true success and that South Africa was capable of delivering the best FIFA World Cup ever.
"The World Cup will stay on the African continent," said President Mbeki.
The AU Summit is also the stage for celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Speaking at the celebrations later on Monday evening, Prof Alpha Konare, chairperson of the AU Commission added his vote of confidence that Africa could and would deliver an excellent World Cup.
"I have no doubt that this will be an African World Cup. The 2010 World Cup is ours," Prof Konare said.
The Chairperson of the 2010 Local Organising Committee (LOC) Irvin Khoza echoed President Mbeki's remarks saying the World Cup would have a tangible impact on the lives of South Africans.
Ethiopian residents also voiced their support for South Africa to host the international tournament.
Taxi driver Dereji Mengesitie told BuaNews that he and his countrymen had a sense of ownership about the world cup, as it was being hosted by South Africa.
"You see my friend, South Africa is my second country. I have a big South African flag that I put up when Bafana Bafana plays," he said.
A security officer who preferred to be called Addis said Ethiopians were happy for South Africa for winning the right to host the World Cup on behalf of FIFA.
"We are very happy for South Africa and we believe the World Cup will be a great success for all of us in Africa."
- BuaNews
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