"Zakumi's Game is Fair Play." -Official Motto From June 11 to July 11 it is Soccer Mania! South Africa is hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup! Every 4 years I'm a poser/wannabe soccer fan of sorts.
The matches are way too complicated to try to explain. Besides, I haven't figured all the groupings/eliminations out yet. But I do like all the sundry miscellanea that celebrates the big event!
Zakumi is the official mascot for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Zakumi is a yellow leopard with bright green hair. "ZA" is the international abbreviation of South Africa, the host country for the games, and "kumi" means "10" in various African languages.
Zakumi's birthday is on June 16, 1994, so he will turn 16 during the World Cup playoffs (June 16th is Youth Day in South Africa). The year of Zakumi's birth, 1994, was the 1st year of non-racial national elections in South Africa.
"Waka Waka" (by Columbian singer Shakira and the band Freshlyground from South Africa) is the official FIFA World Cup song. The song is based on an African soldiers' song. Check it out on iTunes.
Adidas manufactured the official ball which has been named the Jabulani meaning "bringing joy to everyone" in Zulu. Adidas spent over 5 years developing the official World Cup ball.
In addition to the 1st Place Trophy, FIFA gives out a few other noteworthy awards: The Golden Ball (MVP) and The Golden Shoe (top goalscorer). Then, my 2 personal favorites: The Fair Play Award for the team with the best record of fair play and The Most Entertaining Team for the team that has entertained the public the most during the World Cup play!
I like the hype, pomp, and global furor over the sport as much as anything! If I had to predict a winner, I'd put my money on Brazil. But I only tune in for the World Cup so what do I know? So, as they say in the Olympics: "Let the games begin!"
"South Africa will deliver a world-class event that will forever change the perceptions of the international community, and also ensure a lasting legacy for the people of Africa." -President Jacob Zuma, Republic of South Africa
