Blatter Happy with South Africa's Progress

South Africa's Dispatch Online reports that FIFA chief Sepp Blatter's recent visit to South Africa, ahead of the nation's hosting the 2010 World Cup, was not an inspection, just a visit- and a positive one at that.

Blatter believes that the host cities need to step up their marketing efforts in promoting the sporting world's greatest quadrennial showcase, but that the security and construction challenges in South Africa are experienced by every host.

I haven't historically agreed with many of Blatter's remarks and decisions (like when in 2004 he suggested that women soccer players should wear skimpier shorts!)

But I am thoroughly behind him in supporting South Africa as 2010 host; how much more uplifting could it be than a less powerful and prosperous nation hosts a successful tournament?

Says Blatter: “Our world is totally disturbed but we can touch the world with football."