where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. I am very very impressed with the construction going on in Cape Town and it's fantastic what the people in South Africa are doing in preparing themselves for the World Cup in 2010," said Beckenbauer, who has written his name over and over again in football folklore as a FIFA World Cup™ winning player in 1974, coach in 1990 and administrator as Chairman of the Germany 2006 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee.

And while Beckenbauer's exploits on and off the World Cup stage are the stuff of legend, it was the sight of Cape Town's 2010 World Cup stadium steadily under construction that gave Beckenbauer great satisfaction. Speaking after the site visit, Beckenbauer said he was extremely confident South Africa would be ready to host the global football showpiece in 2010.

"I am definitely convinced that the 2010 FIFA World Cup will be a success. It's the biggest opportunity for South Africa. The whole world will be watching this country in 2010. And as far as I can see they're on time and I have no doubt all the stadiums will be ready before the World Cup," said Beckenbauer.

Germany is still basking in the success of a World Cup last year in which Beckenbauer played such a major role, but he advised South Africans to put their own stamp to what will be the first FIFA World Cup™ on the African continent. "The best thing is not to copy the German World Cup. South Africa must ensure it's an African World Cup, with all the continent's culture and flair. I am sure it will be a great success," said Beckenbauer, who was also joined in South Africa by two of his Vice Presidents from the Germany 2006 Organising Committee, Horst Schmidt and Fedor Radmann.

Hayatou, who was last at the Cape Town construction site with FIFA President Joseph S Blatter in June this year, was also extremely impressed with the progress made on the site since his last visit. Jordaan said it was clear to Beckenbauer and Hayatou that much hard work is being done in South Africa to prepare for 2010 and that the country was on track and on schedule to host a successful event.

"Leading up to the Preliminary Draw of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Durban on November 25 this year the message they will take to the rest of their colleagues on the FIFA executive is that a lot of work is being done. The progress made clearly shows we're on track for a wonderful World Cup. They (Beckenbauer and Hayatou) are getting very excited about Africa's first World Cup. That's very evident when talking to them. The period of doubt from anyone about South Africa's ability to host 2010 is long gone. People are now only interested in dealing with operational issues," said Jordaan.

Issued by the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee Communications Department.
For further enquiries please call Tim Modise on +275672010
email : tim.modise@2010saloc.com