World Football

By Phakamisa Ndzamela

PRETORIA, Sept 14 (Reuters) - South Africa's presidential elections next year and the resulting changes in government will not affect its preparations to stage soccer's World Cup in 2010, President Thabo Mbeki said on Sunday.

In a media briefing after a meeting with FIFA President Sepp Blatter, Mbeki said he had assured Blatter that South Africa was on course with its preparations to host the soccer showcase and there would be no changes after elections next year.

"We will have elections next year and a new administration and there wouldn't be any change in policy or positions and so on," Mbeki told reporters.

"It doesn't matter what happens here with regard to whatever the political challenges. This country will meet its commitments to FIFA."

Blatter who is in South Africa to inspect the country's progress in preparing for the tournament, is scheduled to meet ruling ANC party leader Jacob Zuma, who is widely expected to succeed Mbeki after elections next year.

Blatter will also visit three of the stadiums that will host matches for the World Cup and meet former Presidents Nelson Mandela and F.W. De Klerk, who participated in South Africa's bid to become the first African nation to stage the tournament.

South Africa's preparations for the World Cup have come under frequent scrutiny with the readiness of stadiums, infrastructure and security issues among the main concerns.

The country's reputation as a crime hotspot has also been raised as a problem.

"The legacy is that at the end of the World Cup that also you are identified to be a safe and secure country and here the World Cup can help you 100 percent," Blatter said.