The 2010 FIFA World Cup will be one of the most exciting and safest events in the history of the tournament, South Africa's envoy to the Kingdom said in an interview with Saudi Gazette on Monday. John Davies, the ambassador, also dispelled impressions that the construction at the venues is running behind schedule. He said South Africa is ahead of schedule in its preparations for the 2010 World Cup. “We are getting ready for the event. We still have 18 months to go,” he asserted. South Africa is upgrading five existing stadiums besides building another five. The FIFA World Cup 2010 will be played at 10 venues in nine cities between June 11 to July 11. Giving details about the stadiums coming up for the event, he said “interesting” new stadiums are coming up. He was confident that the biggest stadium, Soccer City Stadium being built in Johannesburg, will be up in time for the big show. “The work is in progress on the Soccer City Stadium, which has a capacity of 96,000. It's huge,” he said. Davies knocked back any fears concerning security as well. “Some people have expressed concern about security. I must say that South Africa is quite safe. We have taken every effort to ensure good security as safety, security and disaster management plans have all been put in place,” he said. “It will be one of the most secure World Cup events in the history of the event.” He said South Africa has hosted numerous major events and international teams without a single security-related incident. “We take security very seriously. Everyone is going to be safe,” he said. The envoy said he is looking forward to seeing Saudi Arabia shine at soccer's premier event. “We are confidently looking forward to hosting Saudi Arabian team and Saudi fans at the 2010 World Cup,” Davies said. “There is huge interest in the people of South Africa that Saudi Arabia is going to play there mainly because soccer is a passion for Saudi people, just like it is for the South Africans,” the envoy said. “Saudi families visit South Africa during holidays and they find it very beautiful,” he said. The South Africans are good people. It has a tolerant society, he asserted. South Africa, he pointed out, has a Muslim population of around two million. Cities such as Cape Town would seem to be a home away from home for Saudis as there are numerous mosques, he pointed out. “Since the event is being held in Africa for the first time, I fervently hope to see good performances by African countries - Senegal, Cameroon, Ghana, Egypt, Ivory Coast and others,” he said.
