World Cup "can heal Africa's wounds"

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) — The first World Cup to be held in Africa can be the glue which binds a continent too often riven by conflict, according to the man in charge of organising the world's most popular sporting event.

In an interview with AFP, South Africa's Local Organising Committee chief executive Danny Jordaan said the 2010 tournament was a perfect opportunity to showcase Africa and banish negative stereotypes.

"It is my dream that every African uses this opportunity for the purpose of unity, for stability, for tolerance, for economic development, and for the development of sport in our continent," said the 56-year-old.

"Clearly football represents hope, football represents joy, football represents achievement, football represents progress for many people on this continent.

"Sport in general has an impact that is uplifting to the people of this continent, especially the spirit, a glue that binds the nation. I ...