Exclusive by Osasu Obayiuwana BBC Sport

Roger Milla has urged South Africa to prepare well for 2010

African football legend Roger Milla has advised South Africa to leave no stone unturned in ensuring a successful hosting of the 2010 World Cup finals.

"I think that they must begin to prepare for the tournament from this moment," he told BBC Sport after world football's governing body Fifa announced their decision at the World Trade Centre in Zurich on Saturday.

"It is important that they have excellent organisation for this event," said the former Cameroon international, who played in three World Cup finals.

Milla, voted Africa's player of the 20th century, has been one of the high-profile envoys for South Africa's bid.

He was present when they lost out to Germany for the 2006 World Cup finals and says Saturday's decision finally erases the bitter memories of the past.

"We are very, very happy and it is a great moment for South Africa and the entire African continent."

Although the 52 year old expressed his sympathy towards the losing contenders - Morocco and Egypt - the oldest player to score a World Cup goal said Fifa's executive committee had taken the right decision.

"If you compare the bids of South Africa and Morocco, there was really no game to be played.

"South Africa have all the facilities in place to organise this event.