JOHANNESBURG. Nov 10: South Africa will bid to host the 2006 World Cup finals following hints from FIFA that the African continent could state the tournament early next century, reports Reuter.

There is no doubt that we will make a bid." Solomon Morewa, secretary-general of the South African Football Association, said on Tuesday.

He was reacting to comments from FIFA Secretary-GeneraJ Sepp Blatter who said last week the foresaw a major African country hosting the 2006 event.

Morewa said South Africa would make a serious attempt to become the first African country to host the World Cup finals.

"We have the facilities and we are learning quickly the ways world football." he said.

South Africa was readmitted to FIFA, soccers world governing body, last July after almost 30 years of isolation because of the country's apartheid policies.

“South Africa has to considered a very serious candidate because of the infrastructure and expertise at our disposal." Morewa added.

“We plan to bld for the 1998 African Nations Cup finals and that will give us a good trial run for the World Cup."

Morewa said he would seek a meeting with FIFA officials soon to discuss South Africa's candidature.

Three South African cities — Cape Town. Durban and Johannesburg— have already declared their candidature for the 2004 Olympic Gaines. One of them will be put forward as an official candidate in January by the country's National Olympic Committee.

“We will be able to piggy back on their efforts," Morewa said.