“Sport has the power to inspire and unite people. In Africa, soccer enjoys great popularity and has a particular place in the hearts of people. Which is why it is so important that the FIFA World Cupwill, for the first time ever, be hosted on the African continent in 2010. We must strive for excellence in our hosting of the World Cup, while at the same time, ensuring that we are going to leave alasting benefit to all our people.”
— Nelson Mandela, in a video message that kicked off the World Cup Draw in Cape Town.