SA on track for 2010: Fifa
Themba Gadebe
25 July 2005
The Federation of International Football Associations (Fifa) says it is satisfied with South Africa's preparations for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
A Fifa delegation arrived in the country last Monday to inspect the venues identified to host some of the 2010 matches.
Addressing the media on Friday, Fifa spokesperson Marcus Ziegler said the week-long visit was to inspect whether the country's stadia reflected the content of the bid book.
"Our purpose was to get a look and feel of the country, its people and the authorities," Ziegler said.
"We had a good impression. Bidding cities and owners of the stadiums were well prepared and everybody involved has an awareness of the requirements," Ziegler added.
"Everybody we met showed passion for the World Cup."
Ziegler praised the hard work and commitment of the local organising committee, headed by Danny Jordaan.
The delegation only visited eight venues, and will come back
"soon" to visit another five proposed venues.
Sports and Recreation Minister Makhenkesi Stofile said it was important that people understood that the country was still in initial stages in terms of preparations, adding that a lot still needed to be done.
The delegation visited stadia in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Rustenburg, Bloemfontein, Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
When the delegation returns, they will visit Kimberly, Orkney, Potchefstroom, Polokwane and Nelspruit.
Source: BuaNews
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