World football governing body, FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke says the world has now seen that South Africa is ready to stage the 2010 World Cup finals which kick-off on June 11 next year.

On a scale of one to 10 South Africa's readiness for the 2010 showpiece following the current successful staging of the Confederations Cup rates an eight on Valcke's scale.

Speaking at a special media briefing in Johannesburg on Monday, Valcke said while problems arose during the Confederations Cup which is at the halfway stage of the two week event in South Africa, he was pleased with the overall organisation of the event being used by FIFA as a dry run for the 2010 finals.

Said Valcke: "The best ambassadors for South Africa and 2010 are the teams, players and officials who participated in the Confederations Cup.

"The organisation from the LOC has been really top class. What is more pleasing is the players are returning to their coutries with a good opinion of South Africa, the people, fans, stadiums, hotels and training facilities.

"That is the best advert we could hope for."

Valcke said the LOC had encountered a last minute strike by volunteers at Ellis Park last week which were sorted out and dealt with swiftly.

"Security at matches have gone well and here we have to thank the commitment of the South African government and South African Police Services who have really come to the party and gone out of their way to assist FIFA and the Local Organising Committee."

The Egyptian players were robbed at a Johannesburg hotel while they were playing world champions Italy 1-0 at Ellis Park last Thursday.

However, it was pointed out to the foreign media and FIFA that in 2000 in Houston, Texas, Bafana Bafana players' rooms were broken into at an upmarket hotel where they were staying and players robbed of money and valuables when they played in the annual Gold cup.

The incident happened during Bafana's match against Mexico. FIFA president Sepp Blatter said no country is crime free or perfect. "Players being robbed is sad but as you point out, it can happen anywhere in the world - even the United States.

"We take as many precautions as possible, but I am satisfied fans, teams and the public will be safe during the 2010 World Cup finals."

Valcke said one of the big challenges that lay ahead for 2010 was South Africa had built six new stadiums for the soccer showpiece and they had to be tested.

"We need test events for those venues (Soccer City, Nelspruit, Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Polokwane) before the finals."

Valcke admitted transport and lack of accommodation in Bloemfontein where fans and media struggled to get rooms for Confederation matches was a concern for FIFA and the LOC.

"We are short of 15 000 beds for the Word Cup and we are working on it. Bloemfontein was a problem, even for getting FIFA members rooms during matches. "

A suggestion on transport was FIFA revert to 1990 World Cup system in Italy where teams are based in one venue for the first three round matches which would alleviate the lack of public transport.

Valcke also stressed it was important for the World Cup to leave a legacy as regards the new stadiums. "The last thing we want is for these brand new stadiums to become white elephants after 2010.

"It is a real concern for us and we aim to make sure these multi-purpose venues are utalised after 2010. We will discuss the issue with the PSL and SA Football Association."

Blatter stated South Africa would benefit economically from the World Cup on home soil. "The legacy is the World Cup has created jobs and stopped an economic downfall in South Africa.

"It has created a lot of opportunities for many thousands of South Africans. What the world will see in 2010 is a truly successful African World Cup with excitement and tons of energy."

Sapa

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