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We Host 2010 World Cup On Behalf Of The African Continent - South Africa President Jacob Zuma
The South African president has had his say on next summer's World Cup...
01-Dec-2009 9:36:16 PM
With the stadiums now all nearing completion and the 32 teams for the 2010 World Cup known, South African president Jacob Zuma has had his say on the upcoming tournament on the eve of the Final Draw in Cape Town.
"We welcome the qualified nations with warm hearts. It has been a long journey, a journey first and foremost to have the World Cup on our continent. When we won the right to host the event it was almost as if we had won the World Cup because it was such a historic event," said Zuma on a press conference.
"Having done that, South Africa then said that this World Cup is not just hosted by South Africa, we are hosting it on behalf of the continent.
"So when we welcome to the countries that have qualified, it is actually Africa welcoming the world to come and play in South Africa. I am sure they will not be disappointed. Qualifying is not a small matter; it is one of the biggest challenges of this tournament.
"Today the standard of football in Africa is very high; it has even improved since the last World Cup. I am convinced the World Cup will remain in South Africa at the end, but supposing it did not remain here it must not leave the continent. That is the duty of all six African teams."
Stefan Coerts, Goal.com
"We welcome the qualified nations with warm hearts. It has been a long journey, a journey first and foremost to have the World Cup on our continent. When we won the right to host the event it was almost as if we had won the World Cup because it was such a historic event," said Zuma on a press conference.
"Having done that, South Africa then said that this World Cup is not just hosted by South Africa, we are hosting it on behalf of the continent.
"So when we welcome to the countries that have qualified, it is actually Africa welcoming the world to come and play in South Africa. I am sure they will not be disappointed. Qualifying is not a small matter; it is one of the biggest challenges of this tournament.
"Today the standard of football in Africa is very high; it has even improved since the last World Cup. I am convinced the World Cup will remain in South Africa at the end, but supposing it did not remain here it must not leave the continent. That is the duty of all six African teams."
Stefan Coerts, Goal.com
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