South Africa steps in to host Afcon 2013

Safa's Dennis Mumble says Libya's war has resulted in an exchange, subject to approval by CAF

THANKS to the successful 2010 Fifa World Cup, South Africa's standing in hosting world events has been well received.

The world has taken note of our ability to host the quadrennial soccer showpiece with aplomb.

With the war in Libya raging on, SA is likely to take over the hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations games in 2013, which were supposed to have been hosted by Libya.

There is no doubt that South Africa has the best infrastructure on the continent and the whole sporting world can attest to that. That is why SA will always come to mind whenever there is a need to rescue a major tournament that is in danger of being cancelled.

South Africa was initially billed to host the 2017 Afcon but since the Tripoli invasion the situation is likely to change.

South African Football Association COO Dennis Mumble said: "Libya wants to host in 2017 because of the situation in their country at the moment. That is why we made an agreement to swap the tournaments.

"We offered to host the 2013 Afcon tournament and they take it in 2017. But this will be subject to approval by CAF."

To add yet another feather to South Africa's cap, there is a strong likelihood that CAF will award them the right to host the 2014 African Nations Championship, which is popularly known as the "Amabinneplaas".

This will be the second time that South Africa will host the Afcon tournament. In 1996 the biennial tournament took place without a hitch and was won by Bafana Bafana.

"We will consider any offer to host any tournament because of our existing infrastructure," Mumble said.

South Africa has hosted several major events, including the Rugby World Cup. The Olympics is the only major event that SA has not hosted.