CAF applauds Afcon progress

Johannesburg - South Africa's preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2013 have been approved by Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Issa Hayatou at a meeting in Seychelles.

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) delegation, led by Board chairperson Mwelo Nonkonyane and LOC chief executive Mvuso Mbebe, gave a presentation of South Africa's readiness with regard to a number of issues, including the final draw, safety and security, accreditation, accommodation and transportation, among others.

The Afcon organising committee approved the ticket prices, which would be announced on Thursday.

The committee endorsed the various venues, training sites and hotels to be put at the disposal of competing teams.

They also approved the final match schedule of the tournament.

"With only 141 days to go, it is crunch time and South Africa needs to remain focused," said Mbebe.

"We want to stay true to the tournament theme 'The Beat at Africa's Feet'. We must, and will, succeed, with the support of everyone in our wonderful country - the government, the host provinces and cities, the corporate world and the media, but most importantly the ordinary South African, who we know will come to the stadiums to create a festive atmosphere," he said.