Throughout the Evaluation Commission’s inspection of Durban, I couldn’t escape the feeling that the situation is somewhat similar, with the CGF, given little option due to the South African city being the sole remaining candidate following the withdrawal of the Canadian challenger Edmonton earlier this year.

Both the CGF and Durban 2022 repeatedly expressed how the Commission’s visit was the beginning of a partnership and with back-up plans “off the table”, it would come as a seismic shock should the engagement not be followed through and Durban not be formally rubber-stamped as hosts at the General Assembly in September.

Indeed, when chatting to Mark Alexander, chairman of the Durban 2022 Bid Committee, he reflected that “you could almost say that we are in delivery phase mode now".

While there is perhaps some warranted scepticism surrounding the attempt to become the first African hosts of the Commonwealth Games, I admit to being impressed with what was on offer, as I was when the bid was officially submitted at London's Mansion House in March.

This proposal outlined the compact nature of their bid as a fundamental selling-point to the CGF, highlighted by the notion that 80 per cent of venues would be within a 2.5 kilometre radius of the 54-000 capacity Moses Mabhida stadium.

In practice, the compactness certainly seems achievable, aided first and foremost by earmarking the Durban International Convention Centre as the stage for badminton, boxing, judo, wrestling, weightlifting and powerlifting.

Additionally, having both opted out of using public transport and achieving the feat of not getting lost for the third day in a row, I estimate it lies no longer than a ten minute walk from the Rachel Finlayson swimming pool.

The outdoor pool itself will be one of the main concerns for the Evaluation Commission, regarding its development to meet international competition standards, as seven-years out from being a Games venue it lacks the depth and capacity required.

With legacy considered a key focus for the CGF, one would imagine a capacity increase would only prove temporary, with the venue already functioning well for the public.

Although it will undoubtedly be a talking point between the CGF and Durban 2022, as it was this week,  the potential of creating an iconic venue is evident. Located on the beachfront, where naturally beach volleyball would be held during the Games it has the potential to be not only a hub of activity for spectators.

In addition to providing the all-important Games-time atmosphere, the beachfront and backdrop of the city are sure to provide television with stunning shots to showcase the Durban to the world.

After travelling further up the array of beaches, the extravagant Moses Mabhida Stadium looms across the skyline and the venue would prove to be another highlight throughout the Games. It looks set to be the centre-piece of the Durban 2022 bid and is the proposed venue for Opening and Closing Ceremonies, as well as athletics.

Despite the Stadium being located next to the King’s Park Rugby Stadium, which should be filled to capacity for rugby sevens matches, the city looks well equipped to cope with transport demands, with traffic flowing everywhere in the bustling city throughout my visit.

A potential reason may be due to, one assumes, many of the city’s traffic lights inviting cars to turn corners, while pedestrians themselves are invited to cross by the green man, leading to several instances where one confused British reporter was left standing in the middle of the road dodging traffic...

While the bid in principle looks achievable, with much of infrastructure in place and no competition to encourage Durban 2022 to further invest in refurbishments, there still remains the concern that complacency could prove an issue.

September’s General Assembly, in addition to rubber stamping the first Commonwealth Games to be held on African soil, could also see the passing of the CGF’s “Transformation 2022” strategic plan. The proposal could see the list of compulsory sports increased from its current number of 10 to 16, which has been indicated, as the name suggest, to come into effect for the 2022 Games.

It could perhaps add an extra dynamic to the discussions between Durban 2022 and the CGF, should, as expected, the plan is approved by the 71 Commonwealth Games Associations. With artistic gymnastics, a mooted compulsory sport, not appearing on the current sport programme for the Games it would be interesting to see if the CGF get their wish and gain the sport's inclusion.

With track cycling a firm favourite at Glasgow 2014 and cricket another possible addition, a bit of bartering might have to occur between the two parties within the coming months.

It will be interesting, therefore, to see who would be wearing the trousers in the relationship.

Although with Mark Alexander stating they would be happy to work with the CGF on “minor adjustments to the programme” the early noises appear positive. But like the the parties set to make up the British Government, will the honeymoon period survive inevitable disagreements and bumps in the road ahead.