Confederations Cup: Sepp Blatter Outlines Challenges Ahead

Addressing the media on Monday, Blatter said the rehearsal for the 2010 World Cup had been done satisfactorily and FIFA was convinced that South Africa would host a successful World Cup next year.

“South Africa is heading in the right direction and the Local Organising Committee and the South African government have done an exceptional job, but there are still challenges to be addressed,” he said.

Blatter said the hospitality, the stadiums and the reception by South Africans was wonderful, but emphasised that adequate accommodation, the transportation system, crowd control outside the stadium, the park-and-ride system and a few other logistics remained a major challenge.

“These challenges need to be addressed and I’m confident that the LOC working with FIFA and the government will pay attention to these challenges before the World Cup,” he stated.

Despite the challenges facing South Africa, Blatter has given the country 7.5 points out of 10 and encouraged the LOC to work hard to reach maximum points during the much anticipated international sporting event.

He told reporters that as part of speeding up the process, the FIFA Organising Committee will meet regularly with the LOC to discuss the challenges and how South Africa can improve in making this African World Cup the best ever.

Blatter has also met with President Jacob Zuma and Deputy President, Kgalema Motlanthe, who pledged to coordinate the process of preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

“The South African government has shown great commitment and as FIFA we will work with them and the LOC to ensure that South Africa and Africa at large deliver a flourishing World Cup which will leave a great legacy," he said.

Regarding the Confederations Cup, the FIFA boss said in a report on Bua News that the football displayed by the teams was magnificent, adding that South African fans kept the tournament abuzz.

“I want to thank the South Africa population and not forgetting the volunteers who have done a wonderful job throughout the tournament," he said.

“This competition was not only about football, but it has lifted the spirit of South Africa.

“The final day was particularly exciting with five goals apiece. Bafana Bafana played well against the champions of Europe.

“And the goal they scored [by Kathlego Mphela] to equalise was brilliant. It was a wonderful goal.”

The Mamelodi Sundowns striker’s goal, which sent the game to extra time after the teams were tied 2-2 in regulation time, ranks among the best scored during the two-week eight-team tournament.

In injury time when scores of fans had already left the stadium, Mphela let fly a 30-metre drive from a free kick, which gave diving Spain keeper Iker Casillas no chance.

The former SuperSport United striker had earlier on scored the opening goal of the match. Bafana eventually lost 3-2 in extra-time to settle for fourth position.

Blatter complimented Bafana Bafana for their improvement during the tournament, adding that next year he expected the national side to be a great competitor against the giants.

“They are a good team, with quality players with great talent. Tactically they were brilliant and now they have to combine these abilities and start scoring goals," he said.

“But overall I complement Bafana Bafana for their continuous improvement."