THE 2010 World Cup is turning out to be a thrilling and colourful event and Caf (Confederation of African Football) boss Issa Hayatou is already envisioning its return to the continent in 2026.

During Thursday’s press briefing at Sandton, Hayatou said that South Africa had answered any skepticism over its ability to stage the event.

Reasonably wealthy nations such as Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria and Algeria could match the stadiums, enthusiasm and infrastructure in South Africa.

"One of the lessons that we have learnt from the World Cup is that Africa has affirmed and asserted its position,” he said.

"Many didn’t think that Africa would make it. I read over the past three years all the comments that were made about Africa,”

They said South Africa didn’t have sport infrastructure, not enough hotels, organisation is not good enough but time has proved otherwise,” said jolly Hayatou.

The 63-year old Cameroonian said South Africa’s achievement in building top stadiums underlined the talent that existed on the continent.

Experience has shown and proved we have done it well if not better than in other parts of the world,” Hayatou added.

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