Xenophobia might erupt after the World Cup as jobs become scarcer, the Elders group of eminent global leaders said yesterday.

Former Irish president Mary Robinson said at a press briefing in Johannesburg: "I think everyone recognises that with having the World Cup in South Africa there are concerns".

Among the concerns are street traders not being allowed to operate inside World Cup stadiums, xenophobia and human trafficking.

"We are more worried after the World Cup, the possibilities of xenophobia ... construction jobs fall away and people, especially from Zimbabwe, will be looking for jobs," she said.

"We hope it does not happen and I hope more job opportunities come."

The Elders include former US president Jimmy Carter, Nelson Mandela and his wife, former Mozambican first lady Graca Machel, retired archbishop Desmond Tutu, former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan, Indian women's leader Ela Bhatt and former Brazilian president Fernando Cardoso.

The group said it was concerned about poverty, poor governance and injustice in Africa, but was optimistic about the continent's future.

Machel said Africa was a continent of contrasts. She said that, though there were challenges, such as poverty, in Africa, there were also huge opportunities.

"We must take pride that we are able to host a huge spectacle ... people must not only concentrate on the negative."

Carter said South Africa had been hand-picked to host this major event.

"I am 100% confident that the government, the people of South Africa, and you here will represent the continent of Africa with dignity, and that this will be a great World Cup," he said.

He said Machel and Tutu would attend some matches and Annan would attend the final.

On Zimbabwe, Carter said the future of the troubled country was "very important".

A repeat of the 1990 national election, he said, must be avoided.

Tutu said the Elders were deeply concerned about the fragility of the situation in Sudan.

"With less than eight months before a referendum on self-determination in South Sudan, it is crucial that the international community implement a comprehensive strategy for Sudan ... that the will of the people is respected."

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