The chief executive officer of the 2010 LOC, Danny Jordaan, confirmed that 150 officials from all sectors of the community, who would be involved in the running of the 2010 World Cup would learn from their German counterparts at next month's soccer showpiece.

Jordaan said: "Our focus is now on Germany, once the 2006 finals end.

"Then the world spotlight will be squarely on us and we need to be prepared.

"That is why we are sending these officials to Germany to learn as much as they can and then implement what they learnt when they return to ensure we host the best finals yet."

Jordaan said that each of the 10 cities to host World Cup matches in 2010 would each send three representatives.
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"It is important for the host cities to understand what is required and what lies ahead. This experience will be invaluable in the run-up to 2010.

"The more knowledge we get now, the better finals we can deliver.

"The government, which is fully backing the hosting of the 2010 World Cup finals, will be sending delegations to learn what is expected of them during the greatest soccer show on earth."

Jordaan added that safety and security officials also would be travelling to Germany next month to see the German security operation.

"There is much we can learn from the Germans. Everyone expects the Germans to produce a top-class event.

"We aim to go one better as this is the first time the World Cup has been played in Africa and we, as the LOC, are leaving nothing to chance," said Jordaan.