Zuma targets South Africa Olympic bid 24/06/2010 |
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South African president Jacob Zuma believes the experience of hosting the World Cup will help the country bid for the 2020 Olympics.
South Africa is the first African country to stage the World Cup – and Zuma wants to achieve the same feat with the Olympic Games.
"We have got the facilities,” he said. “Those who take decisions have seen how South Africa is. I'm sure we could do it.
"It is now known Africa is capable of hosting any serious tournament. That fact cannot be argued again. I think Africa will now have a much better image."
The South African football team was eliminated at the group stage of the World Cup despite beating France on Tuesday (June 22) – but before the game, Zuma declared that the tournament had helped unite the country's different races, much like the Rugby World Cup 15 years ago.
"We are truly excited by the success and the spirit engulfing the country," he added. "For the first time ever in the 16 years of freedom and democracy, we see black and white South Africans celebrating together in the stadiums and fan parks.
"While supporting our national squad, we must also remember that we have a much bigger responsibility. We are hosting this tournament on behalf of the African continent. We must succeed and we are doing exceptionally well so far."
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