BUFFALO City is geared up to play a role in the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, whether it be as the host to a team or as a destination of choice for fans.

The municipality has been lobbying to be the home-base for one of the World Cup teams, and was the only municipality that "went the full Monty" in trying to get the attention of the Cameroon squad. He described Cameroon as [one of] the most successful football teams in Africa.

This was the message given by Buffalo City's executive support services director Vuyo Zambodla during an interview on SABC's Morning Live show on 29 January.

The World Cup takes place between 11 June and 11 July, with matches being held at 10 different stadiums around the country, including the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in Port Elizabeth.

A delegation from Cameroon recently visited Buffalo City to inspect the facilities, including the stadium and accommodation.

The representatives were impressed with the hotel facilities, and had urged the municipality to speed up work on the turf in the stadium.

"We have done as much as we can to lure Cameroon to come to our City and we are confident about their decision," Zambodla said.

Zambodla explained that Buffalo City had also lobbied 12 other countries that would be participating in the World Cup.

A decision is expected at the end of January.

However, Zambodla added, that whether there was a team based in Buffalo City was "not the be all and end all". The municipality would support the World Cup national effort. "These efforts are … about the broader World Cup and other associated activities during the tournament."

Buffalo City was also using 2010 as an opportunity to profile the area as a sports destination of choice, Zambodla told the SABC, pointing to recent major events that had taken place in East London.

Buffalo City was the venue for the Africa Open golf tournament as well as the SpecSavers Ironman 70.3.

Provincial 2010 coordinator Gogo Manqoyi supported Buffalo City's aspirations. "As a province we are ready for all World Cup related activities and we are optimistic about having a team based in Buffalo City."