Former Ghana captain, Abedi Pele Ayew, says Africa needs to feel proud by having the honour to host the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

This is the first time that an African nation will be hosting the competition since its inception.

Abedi, a FIFA Football Committee member was speaking in Accra on Wednesday at the launch of hospitality packages by MATCH Hospitality, the hospitality rights holder for the FIFA Hospitality Programme for the World Cup.

Following the success of hosting the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa, the U-20 World Cup in Egypt and the U-17 World Cup in Nigeria all in 2009, the ex-Black Stars player says the continent has yet another opportunity to showcase to the rest of the world the most popular sport, football this year.

"It is the greatest thing we have ever had on the African continent and we must congratulate members of FIFA for a good work done by ensuring that the World Cup is being hosted for the first time on African soil," he said.

With excitement gathering around the continent as 32 nations prepare to converge for the start of the competition, Abedi Ayew Pele has challenged Africans to ensure a successful tournament and prove that the continent deserves to host the competition.