Cape Town - Local Organising Committee boss, Dr Danny Jordaan says the 2010 Final Draw on Friday has delivered on the promise of a world-class event.
"We promised the country a spectacular and world-class event and we delivered on that promise. It was a great celebration of Africa which triggered a wave of passion and support on the streets of Cape Town, across South Africa and around the world," said Jordaan.
He was speaking after a night that sparkled with all the glamour of Hollywood, but came alive with the rhythm and soul of Africa as the eight groups for the 2010 FIFA World Cup were decided.
"What we have to do now is to keep that passion and support for the World Cup alive, not just in terms of what happens on the field but also in terms of selling tickets," he added.
The next phase of ticket sales has been opened to the public and to date 674 403 tickets have been sold for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, with 361 582 of those going to South Africans.
Jordaan noted that the African hopefuls would face strong competition in the group stages of the FIFA World Cup, which features one of the strongest line-ups in the tournament's history.
"Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana are both in strong groups. We hope that they will be able to challenge in those groups, but all the African teams have steep mountains to climb. But it is a World Cup and that is what you have to expect."
Commenting on the opening match of the tournament between South Africa and Mexico at Soccer City on 11 June 2010, Jordaan said: "the Mexican fans are passionate about their team and play attacking and attractive football, so we will have to be at our best when we play them.
"If we perform well against them and make it past the first round I think all of us will be very happy," he added.
Meanwhile, the Executive Mayors have hailed the draw calling it an African spectacular event, adding that the draw has encouraged them as they are gearing up to host teams in their respective host cities next year.
All the mayors of host cities joined Jordaan on the podium to express their impressions about the draw and also the cities' readiness ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
City of Tshwane Executive Mayor Gwen Ramakgopa asserted that the draw has made every South African proud and ensured that the country is ready and will deliver the best World Cup as promised.
"Its positive for all South Africans, it is positive for the LOC and government. I'm certain that it has left the world with amazing impression and we have once again proved that we can deliver world largest events.
"As the City of Tshwane we are proud to host teams like Uruguay, Cameroon, Ghana and these teams are star-studded and have rich history in the game of football.
"We are ready and we have learned so much on the Confederations Cup and we are known of hosting world events including the Inauguration of South African Presidents," she said.
The Executive Mayor of City of Mbombela, Lassy Chiwayo has also expressed that the city is ready to deliver in its promises, saying that they have developed sustainable infrastructure to ensure that the city deliver a better show.
eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality Executive Mayor, Obed Mlaba, maintained that the Durban city and KwaZulu-Natal at large will be ready to host all teams and fans.
"We will be host to the world known teams, we are always ready. We are ready to receive all fans and we will do South Africa and Africa proud," he said
