Johannesburg  - South Africa is ready host the 2010 World Cup, FIFA president Joseph Blatter said Saturday.

"I am proud - and South Africa can be proud - that the technical premises will be ready: There is no doubt about it," Blatter told South Africa's SABC 1 channel.

The head of football's ruling body said he had been overwhelmed by the welcome he had received from football fans and was looking forward to the main event next year.

"There was so much emotion at the opening ceremony. I couldn't speak, because when I started to speak, they (the fans) applauded. Even the critical European press said, Sepp Blatter has never been received as he was in South Africa."

Blatter also discussed the issue of half-empty stadiums at the Confederations Cup, promising that the problem would be addressed and that there would not be a repeat at the World Cup.

He also said he felt his support for holding international football's showpiece in Africa had now been justified, adding that his involvement in African football dated back to
1976.

"I am going to visit all the stadiums," said Blatter.

"My link to Africa was developing because I had the feeling, something can happen in Africa." (dpa)