AS SOCCEREX comes to an end today, the Gauteng provincial government is patting itself on the back after a whopping R96million was injected into the provincial economy.

AS SOCCEREX comes to an end today, the Gauteng provincial government is patting itself on the back after a whopping R96million was injected into the provincial economy.

Gauteng hosted the past three editions of the soccer and related business convention, which they also used to showcase South Africa's readiness for the 2010 World Cup.

Premier Nomvula Mokonyane said: "The main sectors benefiting are the hospitality industry, car rental sector, accommodation, food and beverages and shopping.

"We are convinced Soccerex will enable us to launch and activate new sectors of our economy.

"Through this expo, we launched a R500million Djembas project last year, put on the road GP-branded city cabs and conducted more than 20 workshops for our local business enterprises on how to leverage business out of sporting events."

Mokonyane said Gauteng was ready to assist South Africa in delivering a successful World Cup. The province will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the soccer showpiece.

"The World Cup is just around the corner, and we are confident that this event, which will take place on the African continent for the first time, will be an overwhelming success."