PRETORIA, Sept 15: South African President Thabo Mbeki declared his country will be ready to host Africa’s first football World Cup in 2010 regardless of who is head of state.

Mbeki ends his second and final term in office next year with elections scheduled to appoint a new president, but a bruising political battle between Mbeki and potential successor Jacob Zuma has created political uncertainty in South Africa.

“It doesn’t matter what happens here — whatever the political challenges, the country will meet its commitments to FIFA to ensure we have a very successful 2010 World Cup,” Mbeki said Sunday.

He was addressing reporters after meeting with FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who is in South Africa on a four-day visit to inspect preparations for the tournament. He will meet with Zuma as well as former president Nelson Mandela.

Mbeki said he was confident Blatter would be convinced that preparations are well underway.

“I have assured president Blatter that the country, the government, all of us are very, very committed to making this a successful tournament and are committed it remains in Africa,” he said.

The 2010 tournament has been plagued by stadium construction delays, security fears, transportation problems and the possibility of power outages, leading to concerns that the World Cup might be shifted to another country.

However, Blatter dismissed the suggestion that the tournament would be moved. “Plan B is South Africa. Plan C is South Africa,” Blatter said.

Blatter’s trip will include visits to host cities Cape Town and Johannesburg, as well as meetings with various government officials, local authorities and sporting bodies.

“The objective of my visit is first of all to reassure the whole country of FIFA’s 100 per cent commitment, trust and confidence in the organisational ability of this big and bright country to organise the 2010 FIFA World Cup,” he said.

He also thanked Mbeki for helping him achieve his mission of seeing the World Cup brought to Africa.

“Football on this continent is more than just kicking a ball,” he said. “Football is hope.”—AP