AS THE World Cup spectacular kicks off today the SABC has promised to deliver a world-class broadcast service.

The national broadcaster yesterday launched its multi-million rand broadcast centre at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

"The SABC pulled out all the stops to ensure that we provide South Africans with the best sporting event," chief executive Solly Mokoetle said.

Mokoetle said the set would provide the SABC an opportunity to showcase local and international talent.

"We will be producing 278 hours of television and 1900 hours of radio programming. The tournament is not like your local derby or Premier Soccer League game, it's different and important to all of us."

The state-of-the-art production set has a huge high definition screen, 32 plasma screens, 17 cameras and speakers.

There are areas for presentations and performances. There are also two radio broadcast centres that will be used by all 18 SABC stations.

A gallery for invited guests has also been set up.

For the first time in the history of South Africa, viewers will be able to watch a game while listening to it on radio in their own language.

SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said: "We are going to give everyone a South African feel of soccer."