With just two games remaining, the World Cup handover ceremony took place in Germany on Friday. Franz Beckenbauer handed the baton off to South African Thabo Mbeki. World Cup 2010 organizers said they viewed the first African World Cup as a chance to transform the world’s perception of the whole continent. South Africa President Mbeki compared the staging of the event with the ending of apartheid. “Some people didn’t believe us — but we kept that promise.” He described the tournament as “a beacon of hope,” saying “Football is all about hope — hope for a better world,” a pastime that will “touch the world and build a better future.” Mbeki promised the tournament would spread “human solidarity” as Africa emerges “from many, many centuries of great difficulty.” FIFA President Sepp Blatter said the sport has the social responsibility of taking on human development in places like South Africa. “I am optimistic for Africa…We trust Africa.” Mbeki added that he has high hopes for South Africa in the tournament. “We can even win the competition then.”