Maradona rules out security fears during South Africa World Cup

NEW DELHI - Argentina coach Diego Maradona has said that there is no need for fears about safety during the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

“There is no need for anyone to be afraid of coming to South Africa to watch or play in the World Cup. I believe it will be a fantastic experience,” he said in Johannesburg’s Soccer City, which will host the opening match on June 11 and final on July 11.

“I have been impressed by the security and organization I have witnessed while here and I am looking forward to coming back with my team in June,” Xinhua quoted Maradona, as saying.

Maradona said the friendly people he had met on his five-day stay in Pretoria overwhelmed him.

“Just come here and play. There will be no problems,” he said in a message to other teams.

Maradona was speaking at an impromptu press briefing after inspecting the new stadium.

He was accompanied by South African 2010 local organizing committee (LOC) chief executive Danny Jordaan, who recently had to endure criticism from foreign journalists following the attack on Togo’s national team in Cabinda, Angola.

Jordaan said: “I am delighted that a soccer superstar has come to see for himself and has publicly declared his support for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He is a special player and his endorsement of our Word Cup has again dispelled any fears about security at the World Cup.”

Maradona impressed stadium workers with his friendly attitude and showed off some of the ball skills that made him a superstar during his playing career. (ANI)