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2010 FIFA World Cup™ Organising Committee South Africa CEO Dr Danny Jordaan has congratulated his hometown of Nelson Mandela Bay on their progress in the buildup to World Cup next year.

Jordaan who was in the city on his 58th birthday yesterday was talking at a media round table hosted by the Nelson Mandela Bay's deputy mayor Biks Ndoni.

Dr Jordaan enlightened the media and members of the city's municipality on South Africa's readiness as well as the progress on construction on World Cup stadiums all of which are over 85% complete.

Dr Jordaan said Nelson Mandela Bay should be congratulated for completing their World Cup stadium within 24 months, something which he said had not been done for a World Cup before.

"With just 280 days to go, it is just incredible the road that we have travelled since 2004," Dr Jordaan said.

The third highest number of volunteer applications for the World Cup came from Nelson Mandela Bay where 7,365 people have applied to work during the tournament.

Jordaan said this was due to the cities decision to train 59 volunteer application co-ordinators who worked at libraries throughout the city helping people fill out the application form online.

He also encouraged the municipality to plan for events to entertain fans who visited the city next year.

Councillor Ndoni said the city had come up with creative ideas to make sure fans would explore Nelson Mandela Bay and the rest of the region.

"We will use our region to host the people. We know that this is a challenge but with our creative ideas we will be able to manage. We are moving as a city so we can take advantages of the opportunities next year."

The city also surprised Dr Jordaan with a cake and a gift for his birthday.