South Africa has its problems, but from what everybody could see during the World Cup, the potential for moving that country forward as a multiracial, African democracy that can succeed on the world stage, that's a model that so far at least Zimbabwe has not followed.

WHITEHOUSE: Town Hall with Young African Leaders

Mandela told the delegation that awarding South Africa the tournament would be a tribute to the country's peaceful transition to multiracial democracy.

BBC: SPORT | Football | African | Fifa team wraps up SA visit