Kibaki invites FIFA World Cup teams to train in Kenya (Lead)

Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki has invited the qualifying teams to take advantage of the country's state-of-the-art sport facilities for training before their FIFA World Cup contest in South Africa next year.

He said a committee has been formed to work on the modalities to invite the teams which have qualified for the event.

He pointed out that the country is well connected with all parts of the globe and is just a few hours away from South Africa by air.

"I encourage teams qualifying for the World Cup to take advantage of Kenya's strategic location, excellent climate, sports facilities of international standards, hospitality as well as great tourism sites, and train in the country on their way to the World Cup," he told BuaNews Friday.

Kibaki said the tournament, which will be held for the first time in Africa, has provided Kenya an opportunity to benefit from the large number of teams and fans who would be travelling to South Africa.

Meanwhile, the FIFA World Cup trophy arrived in Kenya as part of its 53-nation African tour. The journey began in Egypt about two months ago and sponsored by the Coca-Cola company.

Organisers said it will allow thousands of football fans to see it up-close. The trophy will reach South Africa in December.

After receiving the trophy at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kibaki said it was a historic moment, which heralded great things to come in the promotion and development of sports in the country.

"Winning the World Cup trophy is every footballer's dream and its arrival in Kenya is an opportunity to reconnect with one's soccer ambitions and to appreciate that dreams can come true," he said.

The president urged footballers in his country to dream big so that Kenya can take its rightful place as a great football nation.

Last updated on Nov 14^th, 2009 at 05:42 am IST--IANS