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Johannesburg – South Africa was confident of reaching its target of 450 000 2010 World Cup visitors, the local organising committee said on Monday.

Spokesperson Rich Mkhondo said figures released by the home affairs department showed that 1 020 321 people had entered the country from June 1 to July 1. This marked a 25% increase on last year's 819 415 during the same period.

"We are confident that we will surpass the number of 450 000 that we initially predicted," said Mkhondo.

World Cup visitors only accounted for around 20% of the home affairs' figures but Mkhondo said more international guests were expected in the last stretch of the tournament.

Unaccounted movement

"The World Cup is not over yet... and there is other movement not accounted for."

This included visitors based in neighbouring countries driving into South Africa.

Detractors had for months ahead of the tournament speculated that the football spectacular would not draw the South African government's estimate of 450 000 visitors.

Mkhondo said visitors from the four countries who made it to the semi finals and the two countries in the final were expected to arrive this week.

Drawn more people into the country

"There is no doubt that the World Cup has drawn more people into our country."

Preparations for Sunday's final were already underway, with transport bodies meeting to iron out last minute plans.

The tournament decider would take place at Soccer City in Johannesburg.

Security agencies were also meeting.

Preparations

"There are preparations on all fronts when it comes to the final," Mkhondo said.

An announcement of heads of state who would attend the closing game would be announced soon, by the government or by the LOC, he said.

On June 10, further announcements about plans for the closing ceremony would be made at the daily briefing.

FIFA spokesperson Nicholas Maingot said there were around 700 premier tickets left for each of the semi finals to be played on Tuesday and Wednesday.