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Durban – The successful hosting of six World Cup games in Durban showed the city could deliver a world class Olympics if given the opportunity, said eThekwini municipality mayor Obed Mlaba on Tuesday.

“Having the wonderful games in Durban confirms that we are capable… if you give us the Olympics we can handle them. We have always said 2010 and beyond for the city of Durban,” said Mlaba.

The last World Cup game in Durban would be played on Wednesday between Spain and Germany at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Mlaba said the city was capable of handling any world class event.

“Some were saying to me that this was the best World Cup they had ever attended,” said Mlaba.

Street carnival

Various activities were planned leading to Wednesday's game, including a street carnival that would start from Curries Fountain stadium and end at the FIFA Fan Fest on the beachfront.

The parade would consist of different nations such as the Germany, Greece, Spain and Nigeria.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize was expected to attend the carnival.

Mlaba said he had received calls from tourists who had visited the townships and taken part in traditional ceremonies.

“The tourists thought it was amazing that you could go to a person’s home and be served food and Zulu beer without an invitation,” said Mlaba.

Amazing marketing

“This has provided the most amazing marketing for our city showing the bubbly Zulu culture and the beautiful features of the province.”

Mlaba said there had been some minor problems but they had been swiftly attended to.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Phindile Radebe said the police were more than ready for the semi final.

“We have increased deployment in other areas because we are expecting very important guests for the semi finals. We are expecting more than the previous number of guests.”

She said everything was in place since the police had taken over the Moses Mabhida Stadium after security guards from Stallion Security downed tools over wage dispute.

ANC is very proud

The African National Congress in KwaZulu-Natal called upon soccer lovers in the province to come out in their numbers.

“As ANC in the province we are very proud of the magnificent attendance at FIFA World Cup matches held so far.

"The fan parks have been buzzing with soccer lovers throughout the province since the 11th of June,” said the ANC.

The party praised the police and security companies for their work in ensuring safety.

“We are confident that many overseas visitors will come back in numbers and visit various tourists’ attractions of our province,” the ANC statement read.