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South Africa's police chief is hoping the US team are knocked out of the football World Cup early on - to avoid a visit by President Barack Obama.
General Bheki Cele told MPs Mr Obama could fly in if the US make it to the knockout stage.
"Our famous prayer is that the Americans don't make the second round," he said, while insisting his forces could provide sufficient security.
He said 43 heads of state would go to South Africa for the Cup.
It is the first world cup being hosted by any African nation.
General Bheki Cele told a parliamentary police committee meeting in Cape Town it was "50-50" whether Obama would visit Africa's first World Cup, but officials had been told that if the Americans make the knockout stage of the tournament then Obama might jet in.
"One challenge is the American president, who is coming, not coming, coming, not coming," Cele said. "It's 50-50 as we stand. ... Our famous prayer is that the Americans don't make the second round. They get eliminated and they go home."
Cele then paused and said, "Don't print that," to laughter from the audience that included members of parliament and police officials.
Bheki Cele (born 22 April 1952) is the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service. He was appointed to this position in July 2009, replacing Jackie Selebi, who was suspended in January 2008 following charges of corruption. Previously he held the post of MEC for Transport, Safety and Security in KwaZulu-Natal.[1] He is a member of the African National Congress.
Originally posted by Disclosure Agent
Can't really see any reason for the SA police to worry about the USA in the World Cup....
Its not like they are going to get past the group stages....
The 3 mighty Lions of England will make sure of that.....