South Africa has just been awarded an 8 out of 10 by FIFA's secretary general, Jerome Valcke - judging our readiness to host the FIFA (TM) 2010 World Cup.

Valke was speaking at a press conference in Johannesburg recently. The Confederations Cup, is currently underway in South Africa and is, as everyone knows, a kind of 'dress rehearsal' for the main event - the 2010 World Cup which kicks off on 11 June next year.

While there have been some hiccoughs during this event, overall he was more than happy with the way it has been organised.

"The best ambassadors for South Africa and 2010 are the teams, players and officials who participated in the Confederations Cup.

"The organisation from the LOC [local organising committee] has been really top class. What is more pleasing is the players are returning to their countries with a good opinion of South Africa, the people, fans, stadiums, hotels and training facilities.

"That is the best advert we could hope for."

Read the full story at: South Africa, The Good News http://tinyurl.com/laz74u

Sapa