Swaziland want 2010 World Cup

Mahlalela's team could qualify automatically for 2010

The Swaziland Football Association has approached South Africa to ask if it could join its bid to host the 2010 World Cup.

South Africa are favourites to hold the tournament that year, having come so close to hosting it in 2006.

They lost out to Germany by one vote.

Reuben Gwebu, a Swaziland football official, said if the FA's dream could be achieved it would be a massive boost to the country's profile.

However, he warned that major redevelopment would be required before that could take place.

Great choice

"I think that we'll definitely need to renovate two of our central stadiums, the Somhlolo and the Trade Fair," he said.

"They must be renovated in such a way that they can be able to host games of this magnitude."

But he added that in other respects the country would be a great choice.

"In as far as hotels are concerned, I think we have the capability as a country to host some of the teams and the many people who attend the World Cup finals.

"Our hotels are definitely up to the required standards and I don't foresee problems in that regard," he said.

Host nations qualify automatically for the World Cup, but it is be unlikely Fifa would accept Swaziland as a co-hosting nation.

However, they could hold games without their nation being involved in the tournament.

Swaziland is almost totally encircled by South Africa.