After a controversial voting abstention had narrowly given Germany the 2006 event, and with two of the last three tournaments awarded to Europe, FIFA decided in May 2002 to rotate the event among continents. Africa would definitely have its turn next.

FIFA’s inspection report indicated that Egypt was the toughest rival - quite capable of organising a very good event, despite lacking the stadium facility. A weakness was the inconsistency between the bid book and reality. Morocco was in with a chance, even though there was a lack of football infrastructure and progress on their stadiums. Tunisia also had potential, but there was concern about their intention to co-host with Libya.

None, however, could match what South Africa had to offer.

FIFA found a number of world class cultural and tourist attractions, and advanced infrastructure with well-established sports centres and stadiums. They also found a very passionate country that lives and breathes football. In South Africa, football is one of the main sports and we boast a very strong sporting culture, across the majority of our population.

FIFA also looked at our track record – South Africa is no stranger to hosting World Cup events: we successfully hosted the World Cup Rugby in 1995 and the World Cup Cricket tournament in 2003. South Africa also hosted a very successful World Summit on Sustainable Development, in 2002.

The international airports, the first rate road network and the hotel sector impressed the selectors, as did the country’s leadership in telecommunications in Africa.

FIFA concluded that the World Cup would significantly unify groups that had been separated socially, culturally and in sport for years, and that “South Africa has the potential to organize an excellent World Cup”. Clearly FIFA has faith in us, and we aim to do them proud.