Symbols
Mascot
The official mascot for the 2010 World Cup is Zakumi, an anthropomorphised leopard with green hair, presented on 22 September 2008. His name comes from "ZA" (the international abbreviation for South Africa) and the term kumi, which means "ten" in various African languages.[51] The mascot's colours reflect those of the host nation's playing strip – yellow and green.
Official song
The official song of the 2010 World Cup "Waka Waka" is performed by the Colombian singer Shakira and the band Freshlyground from South Africa, and is sung in both English and Spanish.[52] The song is based upon a traditional African soldiers' song named Zangalewa.[53] Shakira and Freshlyground performed the song at the pre-tournament Kick-Off concert in Soweto on 10 June. It was also sung at the opening ceremony on 11 June and will be performed at the final on 11 July.
Match ball
The match ball for the 2010 World Cup, manufactured by Adidas, is named the Jabulani, which means "bringing joy to everyone" in isiZulu. The number eleven plays a prominent role in the new technologically advanced ball: it is the eleventh World Cup match ball made by the German sports equipment maker; it features eleven colours, one for each player on the pitch; and there are eleven official languages in South Africa.[54][55] A special match ball with gold panels will be used at the final held in Johannesburg.
The ball is constructed using a new design, consisting of eight thermally bonded, three-dimensional panels. These are spherically moulded from ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU). The surface of the ball is textured with grooves, a technology developed by Adidas called GripnGroove[56] that is intended to improve the ball's aerodynamics. The design has received considerable academic input, being developed in partnership with researchers from Loughborough University, United Kingdom.[57] A number of players, especially goalkeepers have complained about the new ball, arguing that its movements are difficult to predict.[58] The balls are made in China, using latex bladder made in India, thermoplastic polyurethane-elastomer from Taiwan, ethylene vinyl acetate, isotropic polyester/cotton fabric, glue and ink from China.[59]