2010 Bafana Bafana jersey, support campaign launched

Adidas SA PR manager Zobuzwe Ngobese said the new jersey, which has two design versions - ‘techfit' and ‘formotion' and available in both short sleeves and long sleeves - will be worn for the first time by the national team on November 14 during the South Africa-Japan friendly game in Port-Elizabeth.

Adidas SA was heavily involved with the design process, giving input to designers and then getting feedback from the South African Football Association (SAFA), category manager for football Kevin Jooste said, adding that this was a two-year process consultation process.

Aiming to unite SA

The jersey's launch, which took place at the Market Theatre in Newtown, Johannesburg, also saw the UMU Campaign announced.

Adidas SA senior communications manager Deborah Miller said the UMU campaign aims to inspire South Africans to unite as a nation by wearing yellow - the colour of the new Bafana Bafana home jersey.

“We have created a giant jersey (size 60m x 48m) as a platform and an enabler for South Africans to unite and show their support. The giant jersey is set to go on a tour of South Africa via a huge Adidas branded truck, giving the entire nation, from school children to celebrities, the opportunity to sign the giant jersey as a demonstration of their support.

'Let's host 2010 with pride'

“We are calling on all South Africans to come to our truck and sign the giant jersey when it is in their area. By signing the giant jersey, you will become a part of history. This is our World Cup. Let's host it with pride,” she pointed out.

Miller said the UMU Campaign aboard the Adidas truck kicks off its nationwide tour tomorrow at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) headquarters in Auckland Park.

She also said the Adidas truck will then go to Bloemfontein where Bafana Bafana play against Jamaica on November 17, and will afterwards continue its journey to Cape Town where plenty of activities, including the launch of the 2010's official match ball and the 2010 World Cup draw, are lined up.

It is believed that the Adidas truck will continue its journey into nine host cities, making over 300 stops and drawing capacity crowds to entice the 2010 FIFA World Cup fever, which is only some seven months away.