The CEO of the 2010 Soccer World Cup Local Organising Committee is confident that the tournament will fuel long-term sustainable economic growth.

Speaking at the 2010 National Communications Partnership Conference in Johannesburg on Wednesday, Danny Jordaan said: "There are economic, social and political objectives we (the committee and its partners) want to pursue that sets this event beyond sport.

"We must achieve economic growth into the future. 2010 is part of an integrative development strategy."

Jordaan said: "2010 will be a test of infrastructure development, fiscal muscle and the state's capacity."

According to Jordaan the project is within budget and on target to meet financial and infrastructure objectives.

Jordaan said revenue from the sale of broadcasting rights had already been secured as 95% of broadcasting rights had already been sold.

"We have already collected R14,7bn in the sale of TV rights," he said.

Jordaan said the time was ripe to u se digital technology including streaming games live directly to cell-phones. "I'm sure we'll be the first country to break into the 30-billion viewers stakes," he said .

According to Jordaan the construction and upgrades of stadiums in the nine host cities are on track including the five being built from first foundation.

"The time-frames are tight but we must not underestimate the South African construction companies," he said.

Jordaan conceded that strides needed to be made in transport development as links from rural areas to urban host cities were inadequate.

He highlighted a need for more buses and luxury coaches as part of the long-term development strategy.

The CEO of the International Marketing Council , Yvonne Johnston, stressed 2010's economic potential for SA ."2010 will give us global airspace in people's head space over a concentrated period of time."