Set of Jabulani World Cup Match Balls South Africa 2010

Here is a quick look at the all new match ball for this summers world cup in south africa. The ball is once again manufactured by Adidas and looks abit different like they usually do for a major tournament. The name ‘Jabulani’ means to celebrate in the Isizulu language.

What is truely amazing about this new world cup ball is that it only has 8 panels. The traditional football has 32 and the Adidas Teamgeist only had 16. The panels are also bonded to aid the smooth flight of the ball, along with the dimples and grooves in the ball also. This should please the goalkeepers at the world cup.

FIFA Standards / Jabulani Ball Stats

Feature FIFA Reg. Jabulini Standing
Weight 420-445 440/td> Heavy
Circumference 68.5-69.5cm 69.0 +/- 0.2 Average
Roundness 1.5% Variance 1.0% Good
Water Absorption Max 10% 0% Amazing
Bounce Variance 10cm 6cm Good
Leakage 20% from 3 days 10% Excellent

This table shows that the moulding technique means the ball retains its shape, and the lack of seaming means there is essentially zero water retention, which will reduce sluggishness of the ball if South Africa defies the odds and rains throughout the World Cup