Beckenbauer was the head of the 2006 World Cup organising committee

Fifa member Franz Beckenbauer is confident South Africa will host a successful World Cup in 2010 despite the challenges clouding preparations.

High levels of violence have raised fears that fans and players could be easy pickings for criminals in the nine host cities.

"I have trust in the government. I think they will get it under control," the former Germany captain and coach said.

Beckenbauer, who was the president of the 2006 World Cup organising committee, was visiting Green Point stadium in Cape Town, venue for several 2010 matches on Friday.

He added he was "very optimistic" the construction and refurbishment of the 10 World Cup stadiums would be completed in time, with Johannesburg providing two venues.

The German great, a World Cup winner as a player and coach, caused a stir in 2006 when he said South Africa's effort was "beset by big problems".

The remark came amid rumours that world soccer's governing body Fifa was worried about the slow pace of stadium construction and was interpreted as support for moving the tournament to another country, possibly Germany.

In a letter to South African organisers, Beckenbauer later said his comments had been falsely portrayed and at no point had he suggested Germany or another country should be made a substitute host.