Today in Cape Town, Adidas and FIFA present the Adidas "JABULANI", the Official Match
Ball for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa. The "JABULANI", which means "to
celebrate" in isiZulu, features a South African inspired design and radically
new technology. The new match ball will be available in retail from December
5th onwards.
The newly developed "Grip'n'Groove" profile provides the best players in the world with a
ball allowing an exceptionally stable flight and perfect grip under all
conditions. Comprising only eight, completely new, thermally bonded 3-D panels,
which for the first time are spherically moulded, the ball is perfectly round
and even more accurate than ever before.
The name of the 2010 World Cup football:
The name
"JABULANI" originates from the indigenous language isiZulu, one of the eleven
official languages of the Republic of South Africa, which is spoken by almost
25% of the population. Literally translated, "JABULANI" means "to celebrate".
Football is a passion that unites the world. The name of the new match ball
appropriately pays tribute to the passionate football celebration international
fans will enjoy in South Africa next summer.
The
design of the 2010 World Cup ball:
Eleven
different colours are used in the Adidas "JABULANI", the eleventh Adidas World
Cup ball. These 11 colours represent the 11 players in every team, the 11
official languages of South Africa and the 11 South African communities that
make the country one of the most ethnologically diverse countries on the
African continent. The colourful design brings together the tremendous
diversity of the country in harmonious unity. Four triangle-shaped design
elements on a white background lend the ball a unique appearance in African
spirit. And like the outer facade of Johannesburg's Soccer City Stadium,
individual design elements also capture the colourfulness of South Africa.
3-D
panel shapes:
The Match
Ball for the 2010 FIFA World Cup features a completely new, ground-breaking
technology. Eight 3-D spherically formed EVA and TPU panels are moulded
together, harmoniously enveloping the inner carcass. The result is an energetic
unit combined with perfect roundness. Following the first tests, players all
over the world are enthusiastic and are promising many goals with the new ball.