The strikes that have seen around 70,000 workers down tools at the 2010 World Cup stadium construction sites in South Africa have made news around the world.

With Bhekani Ngcobo, the negotiator for the body that represents many of the disgruntled labor force – the National Union of Miners (NUM) – suggesting that unless pay is increased the unrest could enter the "Guinness Book of Records" as the longest strike ever, storm clouds are seemingly gathering.

Workers strike in front of the unfinished Soccer City stadium in Soweto.

Of course, concerns regarding Africa's ability to host an international tournament of the size and scope of the World Cup have always been evident, ever since the "Rainbow Nation" were announced as hosts of the 19th edition back in 2004.

And the regular news of strife between workers and organizers plays well into an ongoing theme with many media outlets of trials and tribulations holding sway over triumph in the build-up to kick off. Do you agree? Add your comment below.

However, though the discontented workers could throw a major spanner in the building works, the recent news is in danger of overshadowing a growing optimism and confidence in a country that will invite the world's football fans to its shores come June 2010.

The recent Confederations Cup was deemed a success by Sepp Blatter, the president of world football's governing body FIFA, who gave the event a 7.5 out of 10 in terms of fulfilling the expectations laid down prior to the event. Blatter said in a press conference at the end of the tournament that his faith in awarding the finals to South Africa had been "more than justified."

It seems this feeling was reflected on the ground too. Editor of Sowetan Soccer magazine, Mo Allie, told CNN: "FIFA gave us a good mark because they were very happy with the turnout – and on average it worked out that 35,000 attended each game which was a better figure than when the event was held in Germany.

"Tickets were bought up by big sponsors and many of the matches finished late – but despite this people realized there was fantastic action at the ground if they went down to watch, and fans turned up.

"Football has always been a prominent sport in South Africa, especially with the big teams like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates – but the great thing with the Confederations Cup was the mix of the crowds that attended, all ages and races, which is not something that is always found in other sports.

"The biggest change has been with the attitude towards the national team. Prior to the Confederations Cup there was widespread skepticism about how they would perform, but good performances against New Zealand, Spain and Brazil turned heads – they gave a good account of themselves and many people now believe Bafana Bafana have a fighting chance of getting past the group stages come the finals," Allie added.

"Transport and accommodation are still big logistical factors that need to be sorted. There is a park and ride system that did not work as well as it might, some drivers didn't know the way, buses weren't always on time. There were also many roadworks around the stadiums which led to a lot of delays, but in a way it was really good to have the Confederations Cup a year before the World Cup because it highlighted what shortcomings remain."

Such sentiments were echoed by the chief executive of the local organizing committee Danny Jordaan. Though it would be bizarre for a man in such a position to be anything other than optimistic, it is hard to argue that South Africa has successfully staged some major sporting events in recent months.

"In terms of scale and complexity, the World Cup is very different to the Confederations Cup and we are therefore already well advanced in planning for the extra demands. However, the success of the Confederations Cup is confirmation that we as a country can host major events. Look at the British Lions rugby tour and the Indian Premier League cricket tournament which we hosted successfully, and now also the FIFA Confederations Cup. It's a good boost for our country," Jordaan told a post-tournament press conference.

Undoubtedly, there are many challenges to be met before the World Cup party can start in earnest, but South Africa could yet prove many critics wrong.

The countdown is on the front page of every South African newspaper. Day by day a little banner with the FIFA 2010 logo reminds the readers that the clock is ticking. A giant electronic clock in OR Tambo Airport reminds travelers too that there is now less than a year to go.

Fans cheer on Bafana Bafana in a recent friendly against Poland.

South Africa has come a long way to get this far, overcoming the disappointment of a failed bid that saw Germany awarded the games in 2006; now the final hurdle.

Ever since FIFA President Sepp Blatter pulled South Africa out of that envelope in 2004 it has been an uphill struggle. With the right to host came a healthy dose of skepticism and doubt. Could this African nation pull it off? Was FIFA secretly planning a backup plan? Would crime ruin their party?

Most of these major issues have been put to rest and satisfied world football's governing body. The stadiums have sprung up, seats bolted firmly in place, and the first pitches are being laid. However, while most of the big issues have been solved the little ones could still upset the greatest sporting event to hit the African continent.

Transportation and accommodation

There is still worry and concern about getting the fans to and from the games. South Africa does not have the public transport systems many visiting fans will be expecting. Most South Africans travel to and from work in overcrowded taxis. Government has tried hard the in last few years to enforce safety standards within the taxi industry but with mixed results.

The introduction of a new bus rapid transit system has been put on hold after angry protests by taxi drivers who were afraid their jobs were at stake. While this new bus system will in all likelihood proceed and be ready for the World Cup, it sadly won't be tested at this years Confederations Cup.

Hotel rooms will be an issue in most host cities. Durban, one of the countries big convention centers, hosts the British Lions tour later this month. Already all flights in and out are full and one needs to travel an hour away to get a hotel room.

Tickets

Despite a global financial crisis tickets for the 2010 FIFA World Cup are still very much in demand and hard to come by. With only five of the 32 competing teams known, already over half a million tickets have been sold to 188 countries and territories. Half of these, over 300,000 bought by South Africans. After the host nation, the biggest interest has been from the U.S. – which has already bought over 70,000 tickets – followed by the UK and Germany.

Bafana Bafana

South Africa's national team – known as Bafana Bafana – have seen better days. Their best showing came in 1996 when they beat Tunisia for the bragging rights of the best team on the continent at the African Cup of Nations, even if this tournament did not include defending champions Nigeria. Since then they have spiraled down in international rankings to linger below 70 and have been through five coaches in five years.

But what also worries the world governing body is that while South Africans profess to love football they are not keen to show it. Recent home games for the national teams have seen half empty stadiums. In many ways the key to whether South Africans start flying the flag for their team and get really excited about the big football tournaments will be how the host nation does in the Confederations Cup. They face Iraq on Sunday in a match their coach admits is key to getting the country behind the team.

South African President Jacob Zuma said on Wednesday that "the growing confidence within the national football team, Bafana Bafana and the arrival of participating teams has added to the football fever engulfing the nation."

A very optimistic President speaking in Parliament whose enthusiasm has yet to be matched by most fans. They are happy to grumble at the sad state of their team but not that willing to show their undying support in the stands.

Confederations Test

The real test for readiness begins with the kick off of the FIFA Confederations Cup on Sunday. While this event will not bring a major influx of tourists to the country, it will be a crucial test for the infrastructure. Will the fans get to the stadium, will the telecommunications hold up and will the whistle blow on time?

How important is the Confederations Cup in finally putting all the doubters to rest? Well, in the words of FIFA President Sepp Blatter on Wednesday "It’s definitely time to kick off now, not only in terms of the organization in South Africa, but in terms of making sure they can deliver and will deliver. That's why this Confederations Cup, one year before the big event, is crucial."