In 2010 South Africa hosts the world's premier footballing event, the World Cup, for the first time, yet there are still many who doubt whether South Africa will be ready to host the huge event.
Infrastructural problems, an alarmingly high crime rate and delays with the building of stadiums are some of the obstacles that need to be overcome, following the decision of sport's ruling body FIFA to hold the competition in the former apartheid state.
As a trial run for the World Cup, Africa's southernmost country will host the 8th Confederations Cup in June of next year.
With six continental champions, as well as hosts South Africa and world champions Italy participating, football fans will see some of the best footballers in the world in action during 16 matches played over a period of two weeks in four different venues.
The draw for the competition will be held in Johannesburg on November 22.
Marking the preparations ahead of the draw for the 2009 Confederations Cup, dpa English Services is offering a special package of features and background information, which is scheduled for publication on Tuesday, November 18, at 0500 GMT with the following items::
Buenos Aries/ - FEATURE: Defending champions looking for a third Rio title. By Veronica Sardon de Janeiro (450 words/Football-ConfedCup/Brazil)
Cairo - FEATURE: Pharaohs looking for a first win. By Nehal Al-Sharif (540 words/Football-ConfedCup/Egypt)
Baghdad - FEATURE: Iraqi rookies looking to impress. By DB Peters (610 words/Football-ConfedCup/Iraq)
Milan - FEATURE: Italy chasing further glory. By Alberto Cagliano (475 words/Football-ConfedCup/Italy)
Wellington - FEATURE: Third time lucky for All Whites? By David Barber (550 words/Football-ConfedCup/NewZealand)
Johannesburg - FEATURE: Last chance for Bafana before World Cup. By Peter Auf der Heyde (625 words/Football-ConfedCup/SAfrica)
Madrid - FEATURE: Spain want to show Euro title was no fluke. By Duncan Shaw (670 words/Football-ConfedCup/Spain)
Washington - FEATURE: US hoping to improve on a third place. By Brendon Hanley (480 words/Football-ConfedCup/US)
Johannesburg - FEATURE: World Cup Hosts hoping to show the world they are ready. By Clare Byrne (600 words/Football-ConfedCup)
Johannesburg - BACKGROUND: Previous Confederations Cup competitions and winners. (100 words/Football-ConfedCup/Statistics)
Johannesburg - FEATURE: Confederations Cup: A troubled history. By Peter Auf der Heyde (720 words/Football-ConfedCup/History)
Johannesburg - BACKGROUND: 2009 Confederations Cup timetable. (165 words/Football-ConfedCup/Timetable)
