Johannesburg, Dec 31 (IANS): The committee preparing to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2013 in South Africa has announced that the country is ready to host the continent's biggest football tournament.

Local Organising Committee chief executive officer Mvuzo Mbebe made the announcement Sunday at a ceremony where South African national team to take part in the tournament was named, reports Xinhua.

"There are 21 days for the biggest football event in Africa to start," Mbebe said. "We have put in place plans that will ensure that every team is provided with the necessary environment and conditions conducive to compete equally."

The committee has formed sub-committees with the police and Department of Home Affairs to assist those attending the AFCON.

He encouraged South Africans to fill the stadia and support the South African national team.

On the same occasion, national team coach Gordon Igesund announced his 23-man team that would take part in AFCON 2013.

The coach named a strong squad consisting of experienced players, saying "we had the best of the best in the camp, with excellent players competing against each other for positions".

He called on South Africans and the media to rally behind the national team, adding: "Now that the final squad has been selected, the focus is on the tournament... your support will be very crucial to see us through."