FIFA president Sepp Blatter has visited Cape Town to check up on preparations for the 2010 World Cup. And while the new football stadiums look promising, the same cannot be said for South Africa’s football team.

Glossing over concerns about delays, rising costs, rampant crime and lack of transport, Blatter visited Cape Town's Green Point Stadium site on Monday

There he used a loud hailer to tell workers he was impressed with their efforts so far.

The stadium is said to be four days ahead of schedule.

Blatter again denied there was any contingency plan to move the world cup away from South Africa in case it cannot meet its commitments.

He was less flattering about the national team, which failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup.

“I am disappointed that during the years since 2004 when this World Cup has been given to South Africa the national team is not better,” said Blatter.

For him, the success of the 2010 World Cup has become a personal crusade. He hopes it will create a legacy benefiting millions on the continent.