体坛英语新闻：South Africa says World Cup helps destroy Africa stereotypes

JOHANNESBURG , July 12 (Xinhua) -- Former South African president Thabo Mbeki has said the successful 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa means a giant step has been taken towards destroying negative stereotypes of Africa and Africans.

Mbeki was president in 2004 when South Africa won the right to host the tournament in 2010.

The FIFA World Cup final was held in Johannesburg's Soccer City on Sunday night, concluding a month-long tournament of 64 matches in South Africa.

Talk Radio702 in Johannesburg said on Monday that Mbeki had written a commentary on the tournament in which he said that Afro- pessimists have been proved wrong by the tournament.

Mbeki also said Africans have made an important statement to themselves that they are as capable as any in the world to organize for success.

In his commentary Mbeki said a giant step forward has been taken toward achieving the goal of destroying the age-old negative stereotype of Africa and Africans.

"Similarly, as Africans we have also made an important statement to ourselves that we are as capable as any in the world to organize for success that brings a sense of fulfillment to billions."

He said that for South Africa, success in hosting the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup means "Africa is well poised to continue its advance towards its renaissance, hopefully supported by the rest of humanity, acting as partners for Africa's renewal".