World Cup 2010: Official World Cup Ball “JABULANI” Unveiled In South Africa

Just like the World Cup happens every four years, so does the coming of a new official adidas match ball.

Named, “JABULANI” which means “to celebrate” in isiZulu, the new adidas ball will be the only ball used during the month-long tournament that starts in June.

11 is a big number that relates to the “JABULANI” ball as it sports an impressive 11 different colors. This was chosen for the 11 players who take the field for every team during the tournament, the 11 official languages of South Africa, (isiZulu is spoken by 25% of the people), and the 11 South African tribes that make the country extremely diverse.

The ball’s design was created to, “lend the ball a unique appearance in African spirit. Like the outer facade of Johannesburg’s Soccer City Stadium, individual design elements capture the colorfulness of South Africa.”

“For me, contact with the ball is all-important,” says Real Madrid’s Brazilian superstar Kaka. “That’s just great with this ball.”

Using revolutionary ‘Grip’n’Groove’ technology, the ball is covered in small aero grooves that provide, “unmatched flight characteristics, making this the most stable and most accurate adidas ball ever.”

In addition, the “goose bumps” effect that was first seen in the 2008 European Championships has been upgraded in the “JABULANI” ball giving it a, “more futuristic texture and extensive grip.”

Facing the prospect of stopping the ball, Chelsea’s Czech goalkeeper, Petr Cech really can feel the power of the ball, “You can feel the energy coming towards you,” said Cech. “Like a shot.”

Tested for use at Loughborough University in England and at the adidas football laboratory in Germany, the “JABULANI” ball was put into action through adidas’ partnership with the world-class athletes at AC Milan, FC Bayern Munchen, the Orlando Pirates and Ajax Cape Town.

German captain and Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack sums the ball up best by saying, “It’s fantastic, the ball does exactly what I want it to.”

The ball will go on sale December 4th following its official unveiling.

Shane Evans, Goal.com

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