Soccer
Blatter: I'm impressed
2008-09-16 11:40
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Sepp Blatter visits SA 2010 soccer sites. Photo: Gallo
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Johannesburg - The president of the International Football Federation (Fifa), Sepp Blatter, gave huge thumbs up to South Africa's preparations for the 2010 World Cup finals when he visited Soccer City on Tuesday.
Blatter, who is here on a four day fact finding mission, was given an inspection tour of the progress at Soccer City which is undergoing a R1.5bn upgrade. The venue will host the opening and the final of the 2010 World Cup.
He was welcomed by a group of the 2 500 workers on site when a rendition of "Shosholoza" and said afterwards he was pleased with what he had seen.
Said Blatter: "I am today a happy president. I am impressed by the magnitude of the construction. This will be the centre of the World Cup in 2010. It is like a temple where people can meet. It is more than a symbol for South Africa."
Blatter met President Thabo Mbeki in Pretoria on his arrival on Sunday night, visited the new Greenpoint Stadium in Cape Town on Monday and will pay a visit to Ellis Park on Wednesday where he will address the media.
Blatter added he always believed in South Africa and Africa's ability to host the greatest soccer tournament on the planet. He said; "I developed the idea of an African World Cup and now South Africa is ready to fulfill those dreams. The progress being made it good. This stadium and the 2010 World Cup is on time."
Blatter was welcomed by the mayor of Johannesburg, Amos Masondo, who said: "The Fifa president has been consistent in his support for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa. And a lot of the credit for the progress we are making is due to his efforts and support. We appreciate what he has down for our country. We will make sure that the World Cup in Johannesburg is an outstanding success."
The work at the stadium has gone according to schedule and journalists like Blatter were impressed by the work that has already been completed.
Sibongile Mazibuko who is the 2010 World Cup co-ordinator for the City of Johannesburg outlined the progress to Blatter and his delegation which included Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke.
She said: "Already 90 percent of the concrete has been laid and we are ready to start putting in the seating. The roof is 20 percent complete and every other aspect of the stadium's construction is on schedule. Although this is a major upgrade it is almost like a new stadium being built as only the west wing of the original stadium still stands, the remainder is all new. " Blatter also said that the focus must not be on the Confederations Cup which features the world champions Italy, the six continental champions including Brazil and Spain plus hosts South Africa stating next June.
Four venues, Ellis Park, Loftus, the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace and the Free State Stadium are being utilised. All four stadiums are being upgraded for both the Confederations Cup and World Cup.
Said Blatter: "I am more than satisfied with Soccer City. But from tomorrow we must concentrate on the Confederations Cup."