New stadiums are being built in Cape Town, Durban and near Pretoria whilst other cities in South Africa including Johannesburg are seeing their stadia renovated in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals making their first visit to the African continent.

Tumi Makgabo a member of the local organising committee said a FIFA fact-finding mission had been satisfied after checking on the facilities previously and that the media was portraying the hosting of the finals by South Africa in a bad light.

“Even Mr Blatter has not said that we will not be ready, but certain elements are reporting his comments in a negative manner…the commission had not made any negative comments about the progress we are making”

She also said:

“As far as we are concerned we are well ahead of our plans for the construction and renovation of the stadiums for the 2010 tournament…those making such negative statements should provide us with details as to how we will not be ready. We have the facilities at the moment to hold a highly successful tournament,”

South Africa say they are well ahead of schedule for the 2010 Finals.