On Monday, the African country celebrated the 500-day countdown to the global showpiece with several events held nationally, including the launch of the official posters of the nine host cities.

The embassy of reigning world champions Italy as well as World Cup ambassadors Phil Masinga and Mark Fish also visited schools in Bloemfontein/Mangaung as part of the Organising Committee's (OC) schools campaign which has seen schools in all provinces adopt a participating country for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup - a tournament that will kick-off in 140 days.

Speaking in Johannesburg, FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke expressed his confidence in the Rainbow Nation.

He said: "We have come a long way since the 15 May 2004 (when the bid was won), and a lot has been achieved so far, with impressive stadiums taking shape and so many infrastructural improvements changing the face of South Africa, as we lead up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

"We have a great deal yet to accomplish in a very short time and we are on a very tight schedule. Despite the pressure, we are confident the preparations will be completed on time."

OC chairman Irvin Khoza, added: "The hosting of the World Cup will leave a substantial legacy for our country.

"But today is a day of celebration of the substantial progress we have made. I would like to thank each and every host city for the magnificent work they are doing, in particular I would like to pay tribute to the tens of thousands of men and women around the country who are tirelessly striving to make this event a reality."