CAPE TOWN, Sept 7: FIFA member Franz Beckenbauer is confident South Africa will host a successful World Cup in 2010 despite the country’s crime problem and other challenges clouding its preparations.

High levels of violence have raised fears that fans and players could be easy pickings for criminals in the nine host cities.

“I have trust in the government. I think they will get it under control,” the former Germany captain and coach told reporters while visiting Green Point Stadium in Cape Town, the venue for several 2010 matches.

Beckenbauer added he was “very optimistic” the construction and refurbishment of the 10 World Cup stadiums would be completed in time.—Reuters