Abedi Pele backs SA 2010

Ghana legend Abedi Pele says the just ended Fifa Confederations Cup should wipe out any doubts about South Africa's preparedness as host for Africa's first World Cup.

The three time African Player of the Year worked on South Africa's bid team and watched the Confederations Cup at close range as a member of FIFA's technical committee.

“I think what the tournament did over the two weeks was to prove there is no doubt South Africa can host a great world cup. The atmosphere, the ambiance and everything about the tournament was terrific. Those who came looking for faults did not find many,” he told KickOffGhana.com.

Abedi also rounded up on critics of the vuvuzelas. “You don't have a European World Cup in Africa, do you? Everywhere in the world fans have unique ways of backing their team. In Ghana we sing and drum for ninety minutes and in South Africa they love their vuvuzela. It may not be everyone's flavour but some things you simply have to respect.”

On the field, Abedi says his belief that 2010 will be Africa's best World Cup was strengthened.

“We saw further evidence that the gap between the best teams in the world and Africa has narrowed considerably,” he said.

“Egypt versus Italy and the manner South Africa run Spain and Brazil close shows again that Africa can truly compete. Now I am even more convinced an African team can go as far as the World Cup final.”