Blatter thanks Zuma as disadvantaged tournament begins

The competition, which is being organised jointly by FIFA, streetfootballworld, the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa and the City of Johannesburg, will run until 10 July.

The President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, and FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter were both present to declare the tournament officially open, with Blatter taking the opportunity to thank the South African head of state for his country's "wonderful co-operation".

As a mark of his gratitude, Blatter awarded President Zuma with a painting by Romero Britto, the world-famous Brazilian artist, who has expressed his passion and enthusiasm for South Africa 2010 in his own unmistakable style. The work in question was a brightly coloured piece named after the tournament itself, South Africa 2010.