PRESIDENT Jakaya Kikwete will today lead thousands of Tanzania soccer fans in welcoming the authentic FIFA World Cup Trophy at the ultra-modern National Stadium in the city.

The trophy arrives at the Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) at 4.00pm for a three-day visit and will be received by the Minister for Information, Culture and Sports, George Mkuchika, Coca-Cola officials and other dignitaries.

'From the airport the World Cup Trophy will be driven straight to the National Stadium where it will be received by President Kikwete,” Rita Tsehai, Coca-Cola East and Central Africa (Tanzania) marketing manager, told reporters yesterday.

This will be the second time President Kikwete graces the trophy's tour of the country. First was in 2006 when he received it at the Movenpick Hotel ahead of the finals held in Germany.

The tour has been developed through an exclusive partnership between FIFA and Coca-Cola. Thousands of soccer lovers are expected to see the real solid-gold trophy and have the opportunity to take a souvenir photograph with it.

Tsehai said Coca-Cola have prepared an elaborate reception at JNIA  to be hosted by Mkuchika.

“Due to the high level of interest that the football icon has attracted, Coca-Cola are working very closely with airport personnel and other authorities to ensure security and a smooth flow of the trophy's visit,” she said.

The trophy will be flown to Zanzibar at noon tomorrow where Isles fans will be able to see it and take a souvenir photo at Forodhani grounds. Dar es Salaam fans will have the same opportunity on Saturday at the National Stadium.

“Apart from seeing the trophy, the fans will also view a special 3-D movie showcasing memorable moments of the FIFA World Cup, participate in interactive displays and enjoy other entertainment,” Tsehai said.

This year's visit, covering 134,017 kilometres (83,274 miles) across 86 countries in 225 days, is the longest ever global tour and its first leg winds up on December 3 in Cape Town, South Africa where the 2010 World Cup finals draw will be held the following day.

The second leg will see the trophy visit additional countries across the globe from January to April, 2010.