A well-organised World Cup in South Africa would open the door for other African countries to bid for major sporting events, said former world footballer of the year George Weah.
The former Milan player, now studying business in the United States, said a successful tournament in 2010 could prove a major legacy for the continent.
"Other African countries will be able to bid in the future with confidence if a legacy is left by South Africa," the former Liberian international said at the Soccerex football conference this week.
"The World Cup in Africa has opened the route and there will be a big economic impact for the continent. South Africa has been given the opportunity to host the World Cup for the first time in Africa but the legacy should be for the rest of the continent," he added.