FIFA president Sepp Blatter is looking forward to the World Cup and while he is offering up words of caution, most of what he said yesterday focused on why this will be best World Cup.

“Be conscious of the fact that we are in Africa, even if South Africa is the best organised country on the continent. You can be critical — that is your right — but admit that you really feel something here,” Blatter told a press conference.

“This World Cup will be marvellous and we are looking forward to the kick-off,” said Blatter. “This will be a fantastic World Cup.”

“Everywhere, one can feel, even you journalists, I hope, that this World Cup is very special, the first on African soil,”

Blatter is a big fan of South Africa and was instrumental in making sure that Africa staged a World Cup by bringing in the continent rotation policy, that ends after Brazil in 2014 and every since it was awarded to South Africa has backed the country in what seems every way possible.

Mr Blatter will of course be at the World Cup opening ceremony and the opening match between South Africa and Mexico.