General Bheki Cele told MPs in a briefing on security that a visit by the US president, which could happen if the team makes the knockout stage, would be a nightmare Photo: AFP/GETTY

A visit by the US president – which could happen if the team makes the knockout stage – would be a nightmare, General Bheki Cele told MPs in a briefing on security for tournament, which starts on June 11.

“Our famous prayer is that they don’t make the second round,” he told the parliamentary police committee. “They get eliminated and they go home because we are told that if they go to the second or third stage, the American president might come.”

The United States is one of 31 visitor nations competing for the World Cup.

Forty-three heads of state have provisionally confirmed their attendance at the tournament, the first on African soil, but Mr Cele said the presence of the US leader would double security requirements for the event.

“That 43 will be equal to this one operation,” he quipped.

Mr Cele was briefing lawmakers on South Africa’s security plan for the World Cup, which has met with approval from Interpol, the global police agency, and security authorities of the 31 visitor teams.

Speaking in Washington last month, South Africa’s foreign minister said Mr Obama had indicated to President Jacob Zuma that he would attend the tournament if the United States reached the final.

“I remember him saying that he would maybe consider coming if the American team goes to the quarter-finals, might come if they reach the semi-finals, and will come to the finals,” said Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

The United States is in Group C with England, Slovenia and Algeria. The 2010 tournament will mark the country’s ninth run at the World Cup. Its best ever showing in the tournament was third in 1930.