Billy Cooper

The president of world governing soccer body Fifa, Sepp Blatter, gave a thumbs-up to South Africa's preparations for the 2010 World Cup finals when he visited Soccer City on Tuesday.

Blatter, who is in the country on a four-day fact-finding mission, was given an inspection tour of the progress at Soccer City, which is undergoing a R1,5-billion upgrade.

The venue will host the opening and the final of the 2010 World Cup.

He was welcomed by a group of the 2 500 workers on site, with a rendition of Shosholoza, and said afterwards he was pleased with what he had seen.

"I am today a happy president. I am impressed by the magnitude of the construction. This will be the centre of the World Cup in 2010. It is like a temple where people can meet. It is more than a symbol for South Africa."

Blatter met President Thabo Mbeki in Pretoria on his arrival on Sunday night, visited the new Green Point Stadium in Cape Town on Monday and will pay a visit to Coca-Cola Park (formerly Ellis Park) on Wednesday when he will address the media.

He had always believed in South Africa and Africa's ability to host the soccer tournament, he said.

"I developed the idea of an African World Cup and now South Africa is ready to fulfil those dreams. The progress being made is good. This stadium and the 2010 World Cup is on time."

Blatter said the focus should now be on the Confederations Cup, which features South Africa, world champions Italy, and the six continental champions, including Brazil and Spain, starting next June."I am more than satisfied with Soccer City. But from tomorrow [Wednesday] we must concentrate on the Confederations Cup," he said.

 Four venues, Coca-Cola Park, Loftus, the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace and the Free State Stadium are being used. All four are being upgraded for both the Confederations Cup and World Cup. -- Sapa\