MOROKA Swallows coach Rainer Zobel believes that South Africa is more than capable of hosting a successful World Cup, despite what his compatriots believe.

The German coach said he does not think that Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness' statements about South Africa not being ready were meant to scare people off but rather to settle old scores with Fifa president Sepp Blatter.

"I think South Africa is ready for the World Cup. It might not be perfect the way the Europeans expect it to be, but it will still be perfect for the African people," said Zobel.

"I know there might be some sceptical Germans out there because it is in their nature to do everything to perfection, but I still maintain that this is going to be a terrific World Cup. I know Uli and he was only being aggressive towards Sepp Blatter because he might have been eyeing a position with the Federation (Fifa)," he said.

He also lambasted Germans who are quick to criticise South Africa without having set their foot here first.

"It's understandable that they are worried about crime, but they must be informed about areas where they can and cannot go. Personally, I feel safe here. I have been living here for a while and I couldn't be more happier," he said.

Zobel also said he will try to speak to his fellow Germans and guarantee them that they have nothing to worry about here and that people who have been quick to criticise "have big mouths even though they have never been here".