JOHANNESBURG - FIFA president Sepp Blatter called Nelson Mandela "the most charismatic humanist alive" when Soccer City, venue for the World Cup's opening match, was officially handed over to soccer's ruling body on Wednesday.

Blatter, speaking to reporters, also described the 90,000 capacity stadium as a magnificent flagship for Africa.

Related readings:  South Africa police train to face World Cup emergencies  South Africa links HIV awareness campaign to World Cup  Fans deflect big hopes of World Cup tour operators

The Swiss though reserved his most effusive praise for the 91-year-old Mandela, the former South Africa president and the man who guided the country out of the dark years of apartheid into multi-racial democracy in 1994.

"The right legacy for this event will be 'let's celebrate Africa's humanity'," Blatter said.

"Let's celebrate the most charismatic humanist alive -- Nelson Mandela. We do hope Nelson Mandela will be here at the beginning of the World Cup in this stadium. This will be the highlight."

The stadium, which will host eight matches including the final on July 11, was handed over to FIFA for the duration of the tournament by Gauteng province Premier Nomvula Mokonyane and the executive mayor of Johannesburg Amos Masondo.