Football: Hick-ups to Africa Cup, but organisers "satisfied"

Football: Hick-ups to Africa Cup, but organisers "satisfied"

The pitch for the Africa Cup of Nations opening and closing games is not ready, tickets are selling slowly and marketing is barely visible, yet organisers are "satisfied" with preparations.

Picture of the official match ball (Katlego) of the Africa Cup of Nations 2013 (CAN) ©AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE

"We are comfortable with plans that have been put into place, in terms of details, in terms of operational execution," said Afcon local organising committee CEO Mvuzo Mbebe, briefing media on Johannesburg's preparedness for the continental tournament.

South Africa hosts the Africa Cup from January 19 to February 10 next year.

The opening and closing matches will be played at the FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City, the venue of the 2010 World Cup final.

Organisers will plant Desso Grassmaster, a hybrid of natural grass and artificial fibres, at the stadium amid criticism after recent international pop concerts damaged the pitch.

Planting will start after a local derby on December 8.

"I'm satisfied when comes the appropriate time this pitch is going to be in the state that is required," said Mbebe.

Organisers have, however, refused to move a concert of American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers scheduled just eight days before the Afcon final February 10 at Soccer City.

Breaking international engagements would damage the country's reputation to host such events, said Mbebe.

The continental powerhouse took over the hosting of the tournament after Libya withdrew following political upheaval during the Arab Spring, leaving little time to prepare.

A sense of excitement which reigned before the World Cup in the country two years ago is lacking by comparison.

"We know there's been a lot of fair criticism that people have not seen enough branding around various cities," Mbebe conceded, saying visibility will increase within two weeks.

Ticket sales have passed the 40,000-mark, with organisers gunning for 500,000 in final sales. They plan to reach 10 percent of this by end November.

Local interest will largely depend on the performance of national team Bafana Bafana (The Boys), who only qualified as hosts and whose success remains doubtful.

jcm/cw

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