Cape Town — A high-powered government delegation launched a charm offensive to lure some of the World Cup finalists to establish their training bases in the country next year but came out with no tangible results.

The delegation that attended the star-studded World Cup draw at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) included the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Walter Mzembi, the Ministry's Permanent Secretary Dr Sylvester Maunganidze and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive Karikoga Kaseke.

Vice-President Joice Mujuru met her South African counterpart Kgalema Motlanthe on Friday morning and "several" diplomats from countries making up the 31 finalists before flying back home in the evening.

Mujuru was initially scheduled to attend the draw but no reasons were given for her earlier return.

Mzembi told Standardsport that none of the targeted finalists had made a commitment on Zimbabwe.

"We talked to several nations which I cannot disclose because the other nations are also chasing them but we have not finalised anything. However it is looking good for us. VP Mujuru also met South Africa Vice-President and some diplomats but she left in the evening without attending the draw," Mzembi said.

It is understood that Zimbabwe is targeting to lure Brazil, Mexico, Algeria, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana to set up their training bases in the country for the duration of the World Cup next year.

However it faces competition from Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland and Mozambique who are also chasing the teams.

FIFA stipulates that only Southern African countries within 90 minutes' flying range to South Africa can host some of the World Cup finalists.

Besides the competition from its neighbours, Zimbabwe also needs to refurbish its football infrastructure.

The National Sports Stadium (Harare) and Barbourfields (Bulawayo) are currently not suitable to host training sessions and friendly internationals for the World Cup finalists.

Rufaro Stadium is the only facility in Zimbabwe that has the capacity to host international football teams.

While the Zimbabwe delegation was busy trying to lure some of the 31 finalists to camp in Harare, the World Cup draw was a glamorous occasion.

The who is who of world soccer -- Portuguese legend Eusebio, former England captain David Beckham, Cameroon legend Roger Milla and France's Marcel Desailly -- were present at the CTICC.

The football fraternity has hugely accepted the World Cup draw with African countries fancying their chances to make an impact next June.

South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said Group A would be a tough composition for his side.

"It is very clear, this is the toughest group, it is the only group with two former world champions (Uruguay and France)," Parreira said.

"This is a challenge and only with good work and mental preparation we will be ready to overcome this group."

Africa's hope will be on the Elephants of Ivory Coast who have been placed in a tough Group G that comprises Brazil, DPR Korea and Portugal.

Germany's 1974 World Cup winning captain Franz Beckenbauer believes the West Africans will reach the semi-finals in South Africa.

"The Ivory Coast have world-class players such as Didier Drogba and I expect them to do well as they have so much talent," Beckenbauer said.

"There is so much talent in Africa, but the other sides such as Ghana, Cameroon and hosts South Africa could get that milestone if they play as a team and not as a bunch of individuals."

Ghana is in Group D with Germany, Australia and Serbia while Nigeria have a date with Argentina, South Korea and Greece in Group B.

The other African representative Algeria has been placed in Group C with England, Slovenia and the United States.