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Cape Town – With only 100 days before the World Cup kicks off, FIFA has given South Africa 8 out of 10 in terms of their readiness to host the tournament.

“We have to get to 10 out of 10 by June 11 and we will. Everything that still needs to be done will be,” FIFA secretary-general Jérome Valcke said at the Cape Town Stadium on Monday.

He said that work was required on the areas around the stadiums. At some stadiums, including Soccer City in Johannesburg, work is still required on the paving and parking areas.

“There is still work. It has to be perfect inside and outside the stadiums. We have to get it right. Look here, we can play a game here tomorrow,” Valcke said in reference to the Cape Town Stadium.

“If you can build stadiums, how can you doubt that a few bricks will be laid or a few trees will be planted?” said Valcke.

The Cape Town Stadium is incredible in his view. Tickets for matches at the stadium in the city have been sold out.

“I won’t say that it’s number one because then I will be in trouble with the other eight host cities. It will be perfect for the teams in Cape Town,” he said.

He has also noticed that there is an increase in excitement in the country.

“The spirit is terrific in most cities and it’s time for that. I don’t want to fly back to Zurich. I would rather stay in South Africa until the World Cup,” he joked.

“The World Cup is here and everybody realises that. The feeling is very African and very different. In Europe you have to wait for the first game and see how the host team fares before the glue sticks. Here it has already started.”

Valcke said that all the criticism directed at South Africa of late did not surprise FIFA.

“It was the same with Germany. There was criticism. We’re not surprised. Criticism is part of the organising (of any tournament),” he said.

He had a simple message for the doubters: “Jump on a plane. There are still tickets.”