South Africa President Jacob Zuma attended a mass prayer meeting on Thursday to pray for a successful World Cup.

Zuma travelled to Sasolburg in the central Free State province for a women's prayer meet, where he called on people to welcome visitors with open arms. He also told the thousands present they should dedicate prayers to South Africa.

The president then took part in celebrations on stage, where he kicked a football about and blew on a white vuvuzela, a plastic trumpet popular with South African football fans.

Zuma also asked the host country's citizens to "be good" during the tournament.

"In this time, we need good South Africans," Zuma said. "Let them just for four weeks be good. Just for four weeks."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP