Former Nigeria midfielder Jay-Jay Okocha says that South Africa's performance at the 2010 World Cup is of paramount importance if they are to host a successful tournament.
The 35-year-old, who is in Johannesburg to participate in a BBC World Service programme, feels that any home nation needs to remain in the tournament for as long as possible in order to maintain interest.
In the last three tournaments hosts France, South Korea and Japan as well as Germany have reached at least the semi-final, so the pressure will be on Joel Santana's side.
"You'll always have big matches and other matches during a World Cup," the former Bolton star told Beeld.
"As long as the host country is still in with a chance, even matches between less popular teams should still draw capacity crowds.
"Not even in my wildest dreams did I ever expect that the World Cup would be awarded to Africa.
"But now that we have it, South Africa has to show the world they can host the best tournament ever and that is why it's important for the host nation to perform well."
In the last three tournaments hosts France, South Korea and Japan as well as Germany have reached at least the semi-final, so the pressure will be on Joel Santana's side.
"You'll always have big matches and other matches during a World Cup," the former Bolton star told Beeld.
"As long as the host country is still in with a chance, even matches between less popular teams should still draw capacity crowds.
"Not even in my wildest dreams did I ever expect that the World Cup would be awarded to Africa.
"But now that we have it, South Africa has to show the world they can host the best tournament ever and that is why it's important for the host nation to perform well."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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