Blatter To Visit Zimbabwe Before World Cup Kicks Off In South Africa

Zimbabwe’s hopes of reaping huge benefits from the 2010 World Cup soccer finals could be boosted by the visit of FIFA president, Sepp Blatter.

Southern African countries are battling for space to get a slice of the 2010 World Cup cake, and a high-powered Zimbabwean delegation was in South Africa at the weekend, meeting with FIFA president Blatter.

According to Zimbabwean newspaper, The Herald, the delegation head, Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara extended an invitation to Blatter to visit Zimbabwe during a meeting held at the FIFA 2010 World Cup head offices at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton.

Blatter promised that he would be visiting the Southern African country. "I am definitely coming to Zimbabwe. It has to be before the World Cup final.

"I am particularly impressed by the working relationship between the Government of Zimbabwe, Zifa and the tourism authority.

"I am touched that the (Acting) Prime Minister of Zimbabwe took time from his busy schedule and came to invite me to his country.

"That is very great. The unity between his Government and the football association is great," said Blatter.

Blatter, who was in South Africa for the Confederations Cup, is expected to visit South Africa three times before next year's World Cup finals and arrangements are being made for him to proceed to Zimbabwe on one of his visits.

The first visit is scheduled for September and the second in December this year, followed by another in February next year.

James Momanyi, Goal.com