Pillar of Sports in Nigeria, Prince Dokun Abidoye, has cautioned South Africa, the host of 2010 World Cup finals not to rest on their oars even as the entire continent continues to celebrate the first ever Mundial to be staged in Africa.

Prince Abidoye, while congratulating the host for winning the bid despite a formidable opposition told THISDAYSports during the week that the real battle have just began because the tournament must be given all the attention it deserves.

"The South Africans must note that the year 2010 is not a lifetime away. It is just around the corner so preparations must start immediately because the whole world is looking up to what Africa will give out to the rest of the world now that they have given us the privilege to host for the first time.

"Although the South Africans have all the facilities on ground, they still has to do more in area of organisation hence they should not go to sleep since the right to host is now in the kitty.

" There is so much for them to do in the area of selling the event to all segments of their multi-racial society. It is very clear that football is not the king of sports in South Africa especially among the whites.

"It is important for the project to be embraced by not just the blacks, but the other races who are all members of the rainbow family that is South Africa" he emphasised.

On whether the South Africans will put up a good show, Prince Abidoye said "If the former racist enclaved region puts their act together, the 2010 World Cup will be the best ever football fiesta in history.

"I have been to South Africa and it is a country where everything works. They have the foundation, a vibrant economy and all other prerequisites to host a World Cup that will set a new standard for future host.

"They did not win the bid by luck, they got it based on what they had on ground". But in spite of all the advantages, the pillar of sports warned the South African not to be complacent."

He appealed to other African nations including those who bided but lost to support South Africa and ensure that the 2010 world cup is a huge success.