WASHINGTON. June 5(AFP|: Shaun Bartlett looked across the Held at the United States football team and saw a vision of what his South African squad could achieve by hosting the 2006 World Cup.

South Africa's all-time leading scorer has seen the US team improve since hosting the 1994 World Cup and expects the same for his nation, which has had to overcome International banishment during the days of apartheid.

I think it was great for them." Bartlett told AFP.

"Hosting the World Cup would give us a great opportunity to make the same sort of Improvement especially since we are Just coming back Into international competition."

FIFA's 24-member executive committee meets on July 6 In Zurich to decide on a host for the 2006 World Cup. with South Africa. England. Germany Brazil and Morocco vying for what could be the first World Cup hosted in Africa

It would mean a lot." Bartlett said.

"For the country and the continent It would be great. We have proven a lot to the world In the past few years Africans play at a high level '

Sepp Blatter, boss ol football's world governing body, supports an African World Cup. especially on the heels ol the first Asian World Cup, the 2002 venture hosted Jointly by Japan and South Korea.

"I'm sure we are coming a long way. The president of FIFA says we are ready. The president of Sou tli Africa says we are ready," South African coach Trott Moloto said.

“We hope not only South Africa, but the whole continent will spread the good light of football and we can become among the most competitive sides."