FIFA World Cup 2010 local organising committee chairman Danny Jordaan believes Nelson Mandela Bay is ready for next year’s soccer showpiece after hosting Bafana Bafana against Japan at the weekend.

Jordaan has rated Port Elizabeth eight out of 10 for atmosphere, security arrangements, accommodation, parking and large crowds following the international at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium on Saturday.

Jordaan, who hailed the city’s operational readiness as “a success”, said: “We are happy that the stadium is ready for the World Cup. From the (LOC’s) standpoint ... everything went off well.”

The stadium’s operational readiness had to be tested because “we wanted to check if everything would work well under a maximum crowd,” Jordaan said.

“I must say, the crowd was wonderful,” he added. A total of 44000 people passed through the turnstiles.

“The Japanese enjoyed their stay in Port Elizabeth. We thank the city council and the 2010 LOC of Port Elizabeth for working hard to ensure everything was in order.”

Jordaan’s commendation has been emphasised by the announcement that Kaizer Chiefs will take on Cape Town’s Santos in a Premier Soccer League encounter at the stadium on Friday.

“It is great news that the match will be brought to Nelson Mandela Bay. Soccer fever has definitely hit the region,” Safa Nelson Mandela Bay representative Boya Chetty said yesterday.

“History was made in Eastern Cape soccer when we had the biggest crowd ever during the international friendly, and it bodes well for the metro to have the game here. The media, the public and the business sector have played a huge role.”

Nelson Mandela Bay municipal spokesman Luncedo Njezula said yesterday: “We had 44000 spectators at the game on Saturday. This proves Nelson Mandela Bay is capable of hosting (international) events.”

Njezula praised the “well behaved” fans.

“The atmosphere was electric ... We thank Safa for bringing the game to our stadium. We also thank Bay residents for coming out in numbers to support Bafana Bafana.”

Inside the 46000-seater stadium – the first in the country to be completed for the World Cup – fans waved flags and blew vuvuzelas. A strong security presence was visible in the crowd, while police made sure unnecessary standing by fans was minimised.

The home fans were especially enamoured with Blackburn Rovers striker Benni McCarthy during the first half of the game, although he failed to convert the limited chances to goals. Despite the numerous chances created during the second half, Bafana players simply could not find the back of the net.

This was a big talking point once the final whistle had been blown. Asked what they thought of the game, some fans felt Bafana coach Carlos Parreira should be given a chance, while others blamed him for substituting McCarthy in the second half.

Port Elizabeth’s Andile Mankahla said: “Bafana’s performance was up to scratch. I think it’s too early to criticise Parreira. We should give him a chance.”

A visibly disappointed Callyn Thompson disagreed.

“I think the problem with Bafana was when it came to finishing. We just could not do it. There’s lots of work to do before the World Cup.”

Awonke Mpeta felt the problem was with the mid-fielders. “You can’t substitute Benni because he isn’t scoring goals. The guys in the mid-field didn’t create enough chances for him.”

The Kaizer Chiefs and Santos PSL match kicks off at 8pm on Friday. Tickets are at Computicket, Shoprite and Checkers outlets.