The ongoing FIFA World Cup, education, and refereeing were some of the topics that President Jacob Zuma and FIFA president Sepp Blatter discussed in a meeting at the presidential guest house in Pretoria on Thursday.

"We think things have been going well, the excitement, everything you need in football is there," Zuma said outside Mahlamba Ndlopfu.

Blatter said that they discussed the closing of the World Cup, saying that with eight matches to go, the event was in its end stages.

"I'm a relaxed and happy president of FIFA this morning. I have to express to the population of South Africa a big big compliment," he said, adding that the hospitality shown to foreigners had been well received.

Zuma said that education was also one of the key points discussed and that Blatter agreed that it was crucial for all.

"The most important thing is the goal of education for all. It's a project that is in parallel with FIFA's Football For Hope," said Blatter.

He said that since Zuma had been a referee while in prison on Robben Island, refereeing had also been brought up. However, he would not elaborate on the details of the discussion.

The two looked relaxed, laughing and chatting buoyantly to the journalists on the steps leading up to Mahlamba Ndlopfu.