Durban's breathtaking Moses Mabhida Stadium, with it signature arch, has so far staged six matches in the World Cup, including Brazil's goalless draw with Portugal, and is due to host the World Cup semi-final tomorrow between Germany and Spain.

Mlaba, the Mayor of the eThekwini municipality, which includes Durban and the surrounding towns, now hopes that the city can beat Cape Town and Johannesbug to be given the opportunity to campaign for the 2020 Olympics if, as seems increasingly likely, South African President Jacob Zuma backs a bid.

He said: "Having the wonderful games in Durban confirms that we are capable if you give us the Olympics we can handle them.

"We have always said 2010 and beyond for the city of Durban.

"Some were saying to me that this was the best World Cup they had ever attended."

To mark the end of Durban's involvement in the World a street carnival is planned before tomorrow's match that is due to start Curries Fountain Stadium and end at the FIFA fan park on the Indian Ocean beach front.

The parade is expected consist of different nations such as the Germans, Greeks, Spanish and Nigerians.

Durban will be centre-stage in the Olympic Movement a year from today when it hosts the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session where the host city for the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics will be chosen.

Mlaba is certain that the IOC will receive a warm welcome.

Mlaba said: "The tourists [for the World Cup] thought it was amazing that you could go to a person's home and be served food and Zulu beer without an invitation.

"This has provided the most amazing marketing for our city showing the bubbly Zulu culture and the beautiful features of the Province."

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