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July 3 -With less than a year to go before the 2010 World Cup soccer event kicks off in South Africa, some of the country's VIPs were asked who they'd be backing and who they think will win the competition.
The predictions were made at the World Economic Forum by top South African personalities such as the deputy president and the chief executive of First National Bank.
Without batting an eyelid, deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe showed his loyalty for local team Bafana Bafana and said that he was sure that they'd take the title - despite that fact that the team is only placed 72nd on global soccer rankings.
A number of other VIP's also showed their support for Bafana Bafana, including soccer great Jomo Sono who said that while he was not sure the team could take down the title, it still stood a good chance of getting past the first round.
"If they have support, people cheering and giving them that spirit to fight, I strongly believe that Bafana Bafana will surprise a few people," he said from the audience. Somo highlighted his point by showing how well Korea did in the last World Cup thanks to the support of its fans.
Western Cape premier Helen Zille, another member of the panel at the forum, said: "I always support the underdogs. I'm backing Bafana Bafana too."
World Cup organizing committee leader, Danny Jordaan refused to name a favorite team, saying only: "My responsibility is to make sure that every single one of the 32 teams has got everything in place to win the World Cup."
Participants were generally optimistic about the chances of South Africa being ready for the 2010 World Cup kick off date. "We'll get there," said Michael Jordaan, CEO of FNB, "but we need a bit of pressure to get there."
Learn more with our 2010 World Cup betting guide.
Do not miss out on our World Cup soccer gambling section.
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