South African president Jacob Zuma has called in at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, as the location prepares to step into the spotlight during the FIFA World Cup.

President Zuma made a flying visit ahead of Friday’s kick-off – when South Africa will take on Mexico in the opening game – to examine the facilities on offer at the newly build SABC Studios.

Pictured: President Zuma with SABC chairman Dr Ben Ngubane

The national broadcaster will beam all matches from the tournament to an estimated audience of some two billion viewers around the world from the location – which is set to become a hub for international media.

Presenter David Kekama is joined by rapper Akon, president Zuma, presenter Walter Mokoena and SABC chief Solly Mokoetle

President Zuma earlier welcomed soccer teams, fans and tourists to South Africa, just days ahead of the opening of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

“We are truly pleased and humbled to host the world in our country for this historical and extraordinary event,” he said.

The president also predicted Bafana Bafana would utilise their home advantage and take the World Cup title for the first time.

World Football House

Also taking place a the Sandton Convention Centre, World Football House will for the first time offer the teams competing in the FIFA World Cup a dynamic platform to showcase their national brand identity and to celebrate their respective cultural and commercial assets.

National pavilions accommodating all 32 teams will provide the estimated 450,000 fans visiting the world’s biggest and most widely viewed event with a unique opportunity to explore the rich diversities of the world today and to discover new cultural experiences and insights.

President Zuma being interviewed by SABC’s analysts David Kekana

World Football House will become a true “Global Village” for the duration of the 2010 FIFA World Cup providing each country with a ground breaking opportunity for destination branding and cultural and commercial exchange and visitors with a unique World Cup experience.

Founder and president of World Football House, Graham Cooke said: “The World Football House will be the showcase for all the rich diversity of culture, arts and of course sport of all 32 countries taking part in the World Cup.

“It will provide the perfect environment for fans to get a unique insight into the differing cultures of the participating teams.”