Vuvuzela South Africa

World Cup Mania is building up as we lead up to the biggest sporting spectacular in the world. It is only a couple of weeks before South Africa and Mexico face each other at Soccer city in Johannesburg and the referee blows the whistle for the 2010 World Cup South Africa to begin.

Best Commercial Ever Made?

Nike has done an awesome job job of pumping up the hype with a truly epic three minute commercial featuring  its stable of superstar footballers like Didier Drogba, Wayne Rooney, Fabio Cannavaro, Landon Donovan and Cristiano Ronaldo, the short film is directed by Alejandro Inarritu (“21 Grams” and “Babel”) and contains cameos from Roger Federer, Kobe Bryant and even Homer Simpson.

People are saying this Nike World Cup Ad  is the best commercial ever made!

Popularity: 4% [?]

As the pre-season draws to an end,  the main South African teams have revealed their new 2009/10 kit. Let’s take a look at Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and  Mamelodi Sundowns.  New Kit is a big thing, not only for the teams but also for the fans. I agree with Calvin from FOOTBALLfever who says:

“Last night I blogged about how South African clubs fail to brew some kind of hype around their new kits, hence the difference in quality compared to what the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal get.”

Kaizer Chiefs New Team Kit

Kaizer Chiefs New Kit

Amakhozi revealed their new kit. Nike Launched Kaizer Chiefs team kit for 2009/2010 season. The Glamour Boys’ new home and away kits will continue to be a desired item, capable of inspiring, joyful and brilliant football both on and off-field.

Orlando Pirates New Kit

Adidas South Africa launched the new Orlando Pirates range at Durban City Hall on Friday, July 14.

The apparel features innovative ClimaCool® technology, a dynamic ventilation and moisture management system geared to keep players cool, dry and comfortable.

According to the Bucs’ website,   The Adidas Orlando Pirates partnership goes beyond the field of play. Our supporters – who are snazzy dressers, conscious of

what they wear – have in Adidas found apparel in keeping with the famous saying: You are what you wear” said Orlando Pirates Chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza

Orlando Pirates New Kit - Skull and Crossbones Detail on the Back

The range consists of two new designs: the home jersey (black/white) and the away jersey (white/black). Bucs’ red jersey has been carried over from last season and will be used as an alternative jersey. A Tiro design has been adapted for this new range to reflect the tradition of the Soweto giants by emphasising the famous skull and crossbones, which is emblazoned onto the back.

“From now on wherever our supporters go, they will have 72 years of Pirates history and heritage accompanying them every step of the way,” says Pirates marketing manager Nkosana Khoza.

Sundowns New Team Kit

Mamelodi Sundowns

The Brazilians went with Nike and unveiled their new 2009/2010 Mamelodi Sundowns football kit at the club’s headquarters in Chloorkop, Midrand. The new home and away kit was presented by the club’s renowned players including captain Esrom Nyandoro, Siboniso Gaxa, Matthew Booth and Robyn Johannes in a locker-room setting.

While incorporating Nike’s modern innovative technologies, the most prominent feature of the kit is its striking design in the tonal stripe.

Orlando Pirates pic – Footballshirtculture.com

Popularity: 6% [?]

Football boots. Right – when you mention kit to any soccer player, there is very little they enjoy talking about more than their boots – not just the brand – Adidas, Nike, Reebok, Lotto, Puma -  but also every single detail.

Footy-Boots.com is currently running the Football Boots Awards 2009 and asking readers, supporters, players, and soccer boot enthusiasts across the globe to cast their vote.

Predator Power Swerve

Although former Liverpool Star Craig Johnson is the man behind the Predator, he gives six excellent tips on what to look for when you choose your perfect football boot.

Six Categories – Vote for your Favorite Football Boots

Of the six categories, five are open, public votes with one category being decided by a panel of experts.

Voting will run for two weeks and results will be published shortly after.

So, if you have not recorded your opinion yet, make sure you do so soon. Not only could you swing the vote in favor of your favorite footy boots, you could also be in line to win some fantastic prizes. Get over to www.footy-boots.com and cast your vote

Popularity: 3% [?]

The Official Match Ball for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ is expected to be announced in December this year.

1978 World Cup – the Tango

This 2010 official match ball will probably also become a collectors item like the black and white Tango from the 1978 World Cup in Argentina. It was this very Tango, that Argentinean striker Mario Kempes slammed into the back of the net six times on his team’s journey to the trophy at the River Plate Stadium.

The 1978 World Cup was won by Argentina who beat the Netherlands 3-1 after extra time in the final. This win was the first World Cup title for Argentina who became the fifth team (after Uruguay, Italy, England, and West Germany), to be both hosts and world champions.

Kopanya – FIFA Confederations Cup.

Adidas, for the first time ever, created a match ball specifically designed for a FIFA Confederations Cup. The name of the ball and its unusual design paid tribute to 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup hosts, South Africa.

Official Match Ball

‘Kopanya’ was unveiled as the Official Match Ball of the 2009 tournament in front of a roaring crowd as South Africa faced off against Africa’s Indomitable Lions, Cameroon, in the annual Nelson Mandela Challenge Match.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup™ hosts and the African football giants were the first teams to ever set use ‘Kopanya’. At the international friendly which was played at the Royal Bafokeng stadium in Rustenburg. This match precedes the Final Draw for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.

In case you are wondering, the word ‘kopanya’ comes from Southern Sesotho, and literally translated, kopanya means, “join together.”

Adidas Teamgeist III Kopanya

A clear symbol of the first FIFA World Cup on the African continent, Kopanya’s unusual design was inspired by Ndebele artwork.

The complex shapes and black contours are traditional Ndebele elements, and have been fused with the colourful vibrancy that typifies modern Ndebele artists. A silver sheen provides a futuristic touch.

According to the Adidas website , “The design honors tradition while embracing the future – a core value of Adidas. Like its predecessor, the ‘Europass’ (used for UEFA EURO 2008™) the Adidas ‘Kopanya’ provides perfect flight characteristics and allows the players exceptional ball control.”

Popularity: 4% [?]