Sepp Blatter To Visit Zimbabwe Before World Cup Kicks Off In South Africa

The Zimbabwean Government has been inviting teams and fans to visit the country as part of their 2010 World Cup participation, aiming to help boost the country's fledging economy and tourism receipts.

Zimbabwe’s hopes of reaping huge benefits from the 2010 World Cup finals could be boosted by the visit of FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

Southern African countries are battling for space to get a slice of the 2010 World Cup cake, and a high-powered Zimbabwean delegation was in South Africa at the weekend, meeting with Blatter.

According to Zimbabwean newspaper, The Herald, the delegation head, Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara, extended an invitation to Blatter to visit Zimbabwe.

Blatter promised that he would be visiting the African country. "I am definitely coming to Zimbabwe. It has to be before the World Cup final,” he said.

"I am particularly impressed by the working relationship between the Government of Zimbabwe, Zifa [the country’s FA] and the tourism authority.

"I am touched that the [Acting] Prime Minister of Zimbabwe took time from his busy schedule and came to invite me to his country.

"That is very great. The unity between his Government and the football association is great."

Blatter, who was in South Africa for the Confederations Cup, is expected to visit the country on three further occasions before next year's World Cup finals and arrangements are being made for him to proceed to Zimbabwe on one of his visits.

James Momanyi, Goal.com