The Jabulani: The South African Product Made in China
Every four years, the FIFA World Cup brings about immense ecstasy amongst football fans around the world and an insatiable desire amongst participant footballers. However, this joyous celebration of the most popular sport has never been shy of controversy.
When the official match-ball of the 2010 FIFA World Cup was announced, it was met with an amalgamation of awe and uncertainty. The ball was aesthetically mesmerizing but awkwardly shaped. After the culmination of the tournament, the ball received widespread criticism for its deviation from the norm.
While the Jabulani has had its fair share of controversy for its awkward flight pattern and shape, the controversies revolving around its production have not been highlighted equally. Furthermore, even though the football is supposed to embody and symbolize South Africa, the actual production process has nothing to with the very country. To emphasize my perspective, I will be analyzing only the original match-balls that were used in the matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, and not the replica balls that are available for everyone’s purchase.