WHILE most of the world media were tearing South Africa to shreds, Football Federation Australia always believed that South Africa would deliver a successful World Cup.

WHILE most of the world media were tearing South Africa to shreds, Football Federation Australia always believed that South Africa would deliver a successful World Cup.

This was revealed by federation (FFA) chairperson Frank Lowy during a visit yesterday to Mohlakano Primary School in Mohlakeng, Randfontein, on the West Rand.

"We never doubted that South Africa could host a great World Cup. From what I've seen, it looks like it's going to be a wonderful event," Lowy said.

He said what made this World Cup even more special was the fact that for a long time South Africa was banned from international sporting events.

"It is such a wonderful transformation to see this country hosting the World Cup," the FFA chairperson said.

Lowy and Australian high commissioner to South Africa Ann Harrap gave out about 700 lap desks to pupils at the school and Lowy could not conceal his excitement.

"I have never had such a welcome and I'm very pleased to be here. This is not the first time we have done this. The first time we did it in Cape Town at an event attended by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. I'm glad to be doing this again," Lowy said. "The lap desks will help children without desks and can help shape their future."

The FFA donated R1million to buy the desks not only for Mohlakano, but for other schools in SA and neighbouring countries such as Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Lowy also confirmed that Australia was bidding for the 2018 and 2022 Fifa World Cups.