The red carpet at SAFA House in Johannesburg has certainly been used extensively over the last few months as dignitaries representing countries from around the world come to find out more about the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

Yesterday saw Ambassador Francisco Marambio from Chile arrive at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC) headquarters to meet with OC CEO Dr Danny Jordaan. With his country already qualified for next year's tournament, the ambassador was there to learn about preparations as well as to tell Jordaan that he can expect an influx of Chilean fans in 2010.

"We are very excited for 2010. It will be important for Chileans to get to know South Africa as at the moment we only have a rough idea of what the country is all about. Many people will come from all over Chile and in March there will be a new president. Both candidates for the presidency are big fans of football and will undoubtedly be here with a large delegation."

Speaking of his role as Ambassador, Marambio couldn't justify enough the need for the embassy to be able to inform and facilitate the arrival of Chileans from all corners of the globe. The success of the World Cup in South Africa, is in his opinion, a team effort and one to which he dedicates his utmost support. Having met former South African president Thabo Mbeki in Chile a few year back, and enjoying South African hospitality through his connections as far away as Turkey, Marambio, who has just started his term in South Africa, is already a great fan of the county.

"It is important to showcase [South Africa] to the world. You have colourful, cheerful people. It is important for South Africa to give a positive impression if you think of how many people will be watching the teams play. People will be interested in coming to South Africa."

Although Marambio is well aware that Chilean visitors in 2010 can expect a warm welcome from South Africans, he believes that South Africans, in turn, will soon find out that they share many similarities with Chileans.

"Chileans are people to whom hospitality is very important. We always take care of our tourists, we welcome them into our homes. South Africa is a beautiful place and our people are very excited about Cape Town in particular. You have a natural beauty, like Chile. We like nature, mountains and good food."

One man who can certainly testify to this is South African football icon Phil Masinga. Having played for South Africa in the 1998 FIFA World Cup - and having scored the goal that got the country into the tournament - Masinga now spends his time promoting South Africa 2010 as a 2010 FIFA World Cup ambassador.

Over the last week he has been touring Chile, spreading the message that South Africa is ready to host the World Cup next year.

"From the people I have spoken to there, many are confident that they will come to South Africa for 2010 and they are also confident that we will host a great tournament. They are all so excited that their team has qualified for 2010 in South Africa," said Masinga who commented on the welcoming nature of the Chileans he met during his trip.

"They had lots of questions about the World Cup and wanted to know all the details. I can see they will be in South Africa next year."