The country is set to be the first on the African continent to host the global showpiece, and is currently preparing for the FIFA Confederations Cup which begins on Sunday.

Speaking at the pre-tournament press conference in Johannesburg today, Blatter seemed agitated that questions were still being raised over issues of security, among other things, almost exactly a year to the scheduled date of kick-off in 2010.

"I don't know why exactly there is this reluctance to go to Africa," he said.

"And now we are saying that we are here, not only to honour Africa but to give justice to Africa and to African football for all they have done for football.

"Why are there always question marks behind the football? Ever since the envelope with the name 'South Africa' was opened, they said it would not work - why, I ask?

"Now you are here and every year 10 or 11 million tourists are coming to South Africa. They have organised competitions and international conferences.

"Is there not a little bit of envy? Maybe, but now this big event is now in Africa and let's give them our full trust. We are here now and let us live up these emotions of football with the people of South Africa."

Blatter also brushed aside fears of security, an issue which has been raised ever since 2004 when South Africa was awarded the right to host the tournament.

He continued: "I see there have been many questions about security, but give me the name of one country in the world where you have perfect security.

"It does not exist because as long as there are human beings somewhere, there are always struggles.

"But we have to show trust here, we have to trust football."

The chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Irvin Khoza, echoed Blatter's views, adding: "I think it's important to note that this question was not asked when the British and Irish Lions arrived here.

"These questions never arose when the IPL (Indian Premier League) was played here and all of them came and left this country as good ambassadors for South Africa.

"We have a history of many, many major events in his country. All of them were successful and were very secure. So record is there, capacity is there and experience is there.

"So we are sure that the Confederations Cup and World Cup will be events that have very good security."

The 'Festival of Champions', as the Confederations Cup is known, features hosts South Africa, Iraq, New Zealand and Spain in Group A, while Group B is made up of Brazil, Italy, Egypt and the United States.

The two-week tournament begins on Sunday when South Africa face Asian champions Iraq in the opening game at Ellis Park.