Lagos — Football loving fans looking forward to be in South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup kicking off on June 11 have once again been re-assured of their safety during the championship which ends on July 11.

South African High Commissioner in Nigeria, Mr. Kingsley Mamabolo, who gave the assurance on Monday while answering questions on his country's state of readiness for the 2010 mundial, said that all security measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful and crime free championship.

"We've improved on our security network for the World Cup. And I want to say that FIFA having seen what we have on ground and have scored our security arrangements high. About $100m was spent to secure the country, so the safety of our visitors is guaranteed," he said.

He also defused apprehension on possible difficulties visitors may face to obtain South African visa.

"We don't expect visitors coming for the World Cup to encounter problems concerning visa procurement, for that we've introduced event visa to ensure easy entry in to South Africa and also match tickets will serve as entry papers," he said, even as he declared his country's readiness to host a successful World Cup.

"The time has come for Africa not just South Africa to show their readiness for the World Cup. We've proved that we're ready. All work relating to major infrastructure development required for the tournament is complete, with all guarantees made to FIFA delivered either on time or ahead of schedule.