With Fernando Torres, Kaka, Xavi, Ronaldinho, Andrea Pirlo, Gennaro Gattuso and Francesc Fabregas all set to arrive in South Africa in exactly 100 days from now, the country is ready to bid them a warm welcome.

Taking place from 14-28 June 2009, this year's edition of the FIFA Confederations Cup features Spain, Italy, Brazil, New Zealand, Iraq, USA, Egypt and hosts South Africa vying for the title of ‘champions of champions'.

The four stadiums in the South African host cities of Johannesburg, Tshwane/Pretoria, Mangaung/Bloemfontein and Rustenburg are virtually ready for action, as preparations go into overdrive ahead of the tournament's opening match between South Africa and Iraq at Ellis Park.

For the FIFA Confederations Cup host cities, today's 100-day mark is a huge milestone, with the world's football stars sure to receive the royal treatment and a typically warm South African welcome when they arrive.

"Come June the world will see the best FIFA Confederations Cup ever, there is no turning back now and we are definitely in event mode. This is a reality and we are very excited about our achievements to date," said the Johannesburg 2010 coordinator, Sibongile Mazibuko. The city's stadium, Ellis Park, is set to host both the opening and closing games of the tournament. The venue that also hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup final has received quite the facelift and is more than ready for top-class international football action.

For the city of Tshwane/Pretoria, the 100-day milestone brings renewed energy and vigour to the city's FIFA Confederations Cup build-up.

"We have now moved into a higher gear. The people in the city are starting to see more marketing around the tournament and the excitement around the city is definitely growing. We are a proud host city," said the Tshwane/Pretoria 2010 coordinator, Godfrey Nkwane.

For Nkwane, the high profile group match between Brazil and Italy at the city's Loftus Versfeld stadium is a sure-fire crowd puller which has certainly got the pulses racing of the city's football fans.

"This is the first time people will be able to see such mega-stars in our own backyard. It is a great opportunity and we are seeing people buying tickets in great numbers now," said Nkwane.

The city of Mangaung/Bloemfontein is set to host the showpiece South Africa-Spain encounter in the opening rounds of the tournament, with the city's 2010 coordinator George Mohlakoana confident the city is well prepared to stage the clash between the champions of Europe and the champions of South African football fans' hearts.

"The excitement is picking up quite significantly, with a huge emphasis on marketing. We are constantly speaking to the football supporters clubs in the city to promote the tournament and we are certain the seats will be full," said Mohlakoana.