German legend Franz Beckenbauer has apologised to Irvin Khoza and South Africa for questioning it's ability to host the 2010 World Cup.

In a letter released by Irvin Khoza, chairman of the 2010 Local Organising Committee, Beckenbauer "I am sorry that these statements were falsely portrayed and I shall do everything in my power to support the World Cup in South Africa 2010."

Horst Schmidt was sent to South Africa last week to help sort out the concerns and these comments were released by Khoza; is this a sign that Danny Jordaan will not be taking such an active roll in the management of the 2010 World Cup?

FIFA General Secretary Urs Linsi also said yesterday that FIFA "has no doubts the 2010 World Cup will be played in South Africa", dismissing reports over the past few weeks that it could be moved to Australia.

"From FIFA's point of view we hope the South African society and the media are positive, that you look forward to, and are proud to take up, this challenge. It's a positive thing to be a host of the World Cup. There will be challenges - that's normal for an undertaking of such complexity. But you should have trust in your organising committee. As FIFA, we will work hand in hand with them.

"We are positive and we have no doubts that the 2010 World Cup will be played in South Africa."

While we echo the sentiments of Mr Linsi we don't think he appreciates how difficult it is to even contact the 2010 Local Organising Committee let alone open up a channel for communication.

We want to be positive but when we are all told something so many times and we see nothing it's a little difficult to take certain people seriously.

We hope 2010 is a success and we believe it will be now that Horst Schmidt and Irvin Khoza appear to be running the show but the media can not be blamed for where the 2010 LOC find themselves.

If Mr Linsi wishes to contact me I'll demonstrate how difficult it is in getting a response from the 2010 LOC or an answer to any question he may wish to put to us.

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