Zakumi (born June 16, 1994) is the Official Mascot for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He is an anthropomorphised leopard with green hair, presented September 22, 2008. His name comes from "ZA", the ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code for South Africa, and "kumi", a word that means ten in various African languages.
Zakumi's birthdate coincides with a day known and celebrated as Youth Day in South Africa and their second group match. The year 1994 marks the birth of democracy in South Africa, meaning that he joins the ranks of South Africa's born-free generation. He will turn 16 in 2010.[1]
The green and yellow (gold) colours of the character match the colours used in South African sport uniforms and can also be seen in the South Africa national football team's kit.
Andries Odendaal, from Cape Town, created the original character design.
The official motto of Zakumi is: "Zakumi's game is Fair Play," which was seen in the digital advertisement boards during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and will also appear in next year's FIFA World Cup.
Zakumi's birthdate coincides with a day known and celebrated as Youth Day in South Africa and their second group match. The year 1994 marks the birth of democracy in South Africa, meaning that he joins the ranks of South Africa's born-free generation. He will turn 16 in 2010.[1]
The green and yellow (gold) colours of the character match the colours used in South African sport uniforms and can also be seen in the South Africa national football team's kit.
Andries Odendaal, from Cape Town, created the original character design.
The official motto of Zakumi is: "Zakumi's game is Fair Play," which was seen in the digital advertisement boards during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and will also appear in next year's FIFA World Cup.
Fair play is also on top of our list. At Abangane Guest Lodge you will find accommodation close to the Mbombela Stadium at "Fair play" rates. Click here to check rates and availability.
