Fifa president Sepp Blatter says only God can stop South Africa from hosting the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Blatter is in the country to assess the progress made by South Africa in reconstructing stadiums or building new ones to host the world’s biggest sporting event.
”Only God can stop South Africa from hosting the World Cup,” the Fifa president said boldly, ”but we ask for the Lord’s blessing to make this first World Cup in Africa to be successful.”
At the end of April, reports surfaced that Blatter had said there were other countries ready to host the World Cup if South Africa failed to complete the stadiums on time. England, Australia and Germany were mentioned as countries ready to take over if South Africa failed.
However, Blatter was clear about his support for South Africa at a media briefing held on the grounds of the FNB Stadium, which is undergoing intense renovation.
”Germany can definitely host the World Cup in 22 years’ time,” he said jokingly. ”I have complete confidence that everything is being done accordingly and that South Africa will host the World Cup. It is not going to any other country.
”I was going to bring my pick-axe to help out with the construction, but as you can see [behind me], they don’t need my help,” he said. ”Dr Khoza and Dr Jordaan have also provided information about the progress and I’m happy with what they are doing.”
Blatter will fly to Cape Town on Tuesday to visit the construction site of the Green Point Stadium. His trip will include meeting President Thabo Mbeki and Cape Town mayor Helen Zille.
”Tomorrow I will go to Cape Town to see the Green Point Stadium and to speak to your president, whom I know very well; we have spoken before. I will also meet the mayor of Cape Town, Helen, and hopefully it will all come to a point when I visit the stadium,” he joked again.
Before Blatter jets off to the Mother City, he will open the Fifa World Cup business-opportunities conference held at Emperors Palace, east of Johannesburg. — Sapa