South African President Jacob Zuma praises Jack Warner

South African President Jacob Zuma has praised FIFA Vice President Jack Warner, saying his nation owes Warner a debt of gratitude.

Warner arrived in South Africa on Sunday to attend the opening ceremony of the Confederations Cup. The two-week event is a warm-up for next year's World Cup, the first to be played on the continent.

The newly elected South African President personally welcomed Warner and his delegation to the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg where Zuma praised Warner for his efforts in getting the 2010 FIFA World Cup to South Africa.

"Without your efforts and personal intervention, none of this today would not have been possible in South Africa. South Africa owes you a debt of gratitude", the president said.

FIFA President Joseph Blatter took the field alongside Zuma and in his opening remarks he emphasized FIFA's on-going support for football in South Africa, and the continent in general.

Reports say the ceremony was a "colorful explosion of traditional African music, dance and song accompanied by the deafening cheers of thousands of fans blowing trumpets".

In the opening match, South Africa played to a scoreless tie with Iraq.

On Friday the FIFA Vice President was in Nigeria to meet with the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Johnathan and several State Governors.

Nigeria assured Warner that everything will be ready for the FIFA U 17 World Cup later this year as and gave him guarantees for the on-time completion of the selected venues. A final inspection is scheduled for July 26.