Adidas unveils the AFCON ball

Adidas unveiled the official match ball for the 2013 Confederation of African Football (CAF) at the CAF live draw show in Durban on October 25.

Adidas official CAF ball

The new ball was named through an online vote by football fans.  The name Katlego, which means “success” in SeSotho, was chosen above Khanya (which means light) and Motswako (mixture).

The design was inspired by Ndebele print artworks and the vibrant yellow and other bright colours that are dominant in most African national flags, says Zobuzwe Ngobese, PR manager at adidas SA.

Julian (left) and Mark Frame of Cross Trainer with adidas ambassador Lucas Radebe (middle)

“We are delighted to present the fourth official match ball for the most important tournament in Africa to CAF following the success of previous balls such as Wawa Aba (Ghana), Jabulani (Angola) and Comoequa (Equatorial Guinea and Gabon),” he says.

Katlego was introduced to the public and used in matches shortly after it was launched to generate excitement for the Orange AFCON 2013 and to allow the qualified teams to get used to the ball. 

Former Bafana Bafana captain  Lucas Radebe and Supersport 

presenter Kamza Mbatha introduce Katlego to fans.

Former Bafana Bafana captain and adidas ambassador Lucas Radebe introduced Katlego to fans at the Cross Trainer store in Sandton City on the Friday after it had been unveiled in Durban. 

Lucas Radebe

South African PSL clubs Ajax Cape Town and Sundowns used this ball in their Cape Town match and AmaZulu and Orlando Pirates used the ball in their clash in Johannesburg during the weekend following the launch. 

One of the online voters, Ismail Badmus of Nigeria, won a double ticket and trip for two to watch the final match of the 2013 AFCON tournament in South Africa.  He will be hosted by adidas for the final.

Published by www.sportstrader.co.za