Jabulani, the official ball of the 2010 World Cup, includes 11 colors to symbolize the 11 national languages of the host country. Players have started practicing with the ball this week, and they aren't exactly inspired. Brazil's Julio Cesar was quoted saying, "it's terrible, horrible. It's like one of those balls you buy in the supermarket." The only difference is that this supermarket ball costs $150.
We've heard these complaints before every recent World Cup. Most of the complaints are from goalkeepers who complain the ball is harder to get a hold of when it's wet, and harder to track through the air. FIFA knows the last thing the sport needs is more 0-0 draws, so it's doubtful we'll see any returns to the old 32 panel, black and white ball of the 1970's. The only thing that could frustrate fans is if accurate passing suffers and makes the games more sloppy.
As for the aesthetics of the ball -- I'm down, aren't you? The poetry of it all? 11 languages, 11 players on a team. The colors of the South African flag on the ball. The fact that Jabulani is isiZulu word for "celebration." And best of all: while this ball is white, the ball used in the World Cup Final will have gold panels. Yeah, I know. Predictable. But it will be renamed Jo'bulani in tribute to the city of Johannesburg (also called Jo'burg), where the final is being played. And did I mention Johannesburg is nicknamed "The Golden City?" Boom. Adidas wins.
