Loughborough University become research partners for the adidas “JABULANI”, after previously developing the 2006 World Cup footballs and 2008 European Championship for adidas. The Jabulani has already been tested and endorsed by a number of world-class international players, including Michael Ballack, Petr Cech, Frank Lampard, and Kaka.
The name ”JABULANI” originates from the Bantu language isiZulu, one of 11 official languages of South Africa, which is spoken by almost 25% of the population. Literally translated, “JABULANI” means “to celebrate”. Football is an energy that can unites the world. The name of the match ball can make the passionate football celebration international fans will enjoy in South Africa next summer.
Eleven different colours are used in the adidas JABULANI, the eleventh adidas World Cup ball. These 11 colours represent the 11 official languages of South Africa, the 11 players in every team, and the 11 South African tribes that make the country one of the most ethnologically diverse countries on the African continent.
The newly-developed “Grip’n’Groove” technology giving the best soccer players in the world with a ball allowing an exceptionally flies straight and true and perfect grip under all conditions. Comprising only 8, thermally bonded 3D panels, which are spherically moulded, the ball is perfectly round and even more accurate than ever before.
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.
There is something quiet unique about this ball, and I am sure that future designs will be created using the same technology seen in the Jabulani. Let me finish up by giving you 2 tips; anticipate the ball flying further than you expect, and when you get to shoot remember that by using the Jabulani, you already have an added advantage over the goalkeeper!
The resulting of Jabulani’s test in game, were all very similar, with a lot of guys pointing out the fact that the Jabulani moves very fast and stop longer than expected. There is only one way to find out about this ball, and that is to test one for yourself. If you have the opportunity to try one out, you will understood what I mean when I say that putting some spin on this ball makes it move.
One of customer review is Charles Rice. Here is what he said about World Cup 2010 Ball “I bought one of these about 6 weeks before the world cup so that me and my friends could play with it and see what it was like.As a field player, I love the way it plays on the ground. It gives great control for dribbling and moving downfield. I also like the way it shoots. Perhaps if I was a more precise shooter, I’d feel differently, but I am happy to hit the quarter of the goal I am aiming for, and I can do that as well with this ball as with most others. I like shooting this ball. Overall, I like it a lot. Most of the people I play with agree, but definitely not all of them.”
