On what would normally have been a quiet Sunday morning in Tshwane/Pretoria over 1000 volunteers for the FIFA Confederations Cup turned up at the Tshwane Events Centre for their first training session before the tournament begins on 14 June this year.

There to welcome them was the Chief Executive Officer of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa, Dr Danny Jordaan.

"You are the lifeblood of the organisation, welcome to the World Cup family. We have come so far, there is no turning back and together we will work to deliver the best tournament ever," said Jordaan as the entire hall erupted into cheers.

For Jordaan the volunteers have such a crucial role to play in both upcoming FIFA tournaments.

"You all play such a critical part in delivering this event. When, as a fan, you come to an event such as the World Cup or the Confederations Cup the first point of contact is with the volunteers at the airport. When the tournament is over the last person they see is also a volunteer. The volunteers are what shape your attitude and experience of the country - it is you who will do this".

It was with this that the entire hall erupted into applause. For the volunteers their important contribution to the country and to the event was more evident than ever.

"It was a moving and touching speech. You think you are doing so little but he (Jordaan) made me see the bigger picture and the important role we volunteers play," said Sindisiwe Ngcongwane, a financial systems lecturer who will be assisting in the protocol department.

"I want to be part of making a difference to our country and improving it. Change starts with one person and this is why I volunteered," continued Ngcongwane.

For Mandla Msimanga, the financial manager for the Embassy of Ireland, volunteering his services is for the good of South Africa.

"It is such a great benefit to the country. Sometimes you need to pay back and provide your services for free. I am very excited for the tournament and we must make things work, it is time to take responsibility.

David Stables, a civil engineer from Centurion, was impressed by Jordaan and the efforts of the OC. "It was so good for the volunteers. You could see from their reaction that everyone enjoyed his presence. He is a good guy for the World Cup.

"I have been passionate about football since I was a little kid so this is really a once in a lifetime opportunity. It proves that you don't have to be a footballer to be involved in this tournament," said Stables.