JOHANNESBURG: South African President Jacob Zuma said Friday his country was ready to host the Olympics, after the World Cup inspired confidence in the nation`s ability to pull off major events.

"This has proved to the world that we are capable of hosting any international event, we have the resources and infrastructure," Zuma said in an interview with football governing body FIFA.

"I don’t see why we can’t bid to host the Olympics in the future. It`s important for Africa," he said.

"This has been an important component for our nation building. It is for the first time in South Africa that we have seen this Rainbow Nation really coming together in a manner we have not witnessed before," Zuma said.

"For the first time, I have noticed that every South African is now flying our national flag. Everybody is just crazy about this tournament, both black and white," he added.

Zuma also cheered Ghana ahead of their quarter-final match against Uruguay, when a victory would make them the first African team ever to reach a semi-final.

"In Africa, we are all proud of Ghana, they have represented us very well," Zuma said.

BDST: 1905hrs, July 2, 2010