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PREPARING SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE WORLD |
Fifa and adidas have launched 'Jabulani', the official match ball for the 2010 World Cup. FIFA President Sepp Blatter, German legend Franz Beckenbauer and England star David Beckham were among the guests at the glittering function which was held in Cape Town ahead of the 2010 Final Draw. Project 2010 spoke to Erik van Leeuwen, adidas Global PR Manager, about the new ball...  What is the biggest difference between 'Jabulani' and previous World Cup footballs? Simply, it is the most accurate ball that has ever been made. We set out to symbolise the 2010 World Cup with our design and that is why 11 colours are used on Jabulani which represent the 11 players in every team, the 11 official languages of South Africa and the 11 different culures. We have also reduced the number of panels to eight which presents a bigger striking surface. There are also raised indentations which give the player more control. How long has adidas spent manufacturing this ball? It's been two to three years. It has been a very intensive process and we have used wind tunnels and kicking machines and players to help perfect the product. How will the ball be received at the World Cup? We are aware of the extremely diverse conditions - from Johannesburg at high altude with harder playing surfaces to Cape Town at sea level with wet winter conditions, the ball must be accurate everywhere. I think we have achieved this. With previous balls, goalkeepers have complained that they are too light and the flight of the ball is not true. Is Jabulani any different? Yes, we have consulted closely with top goalkeepers and they are satisfied that its trajectory is true. Also, some of the more colourful balls can be irritating for television viewers because it is difficult to follow them. Is Jabulani any differerent? Yes, we looked at the broadcasting quality of the ball very closely and, again, we have had favourable feedback. more interviews... |
