Meet Zakumi the World Cup 2010 Mascot, Who Hopefully Won’t Eat The Players

September 23rd, 2008 | by: Daryl |

What’s wrong? Never seen a green haired leopard wearing human shorts before? Then meet Zakumi, South Africa’s World Cup 2010 mascot. Presumably the fastest World Cup mascot ever.

Zakumi was unveiled yesterday, live on South African TV. As mascots go, I’ve definitely seen worse. And he has an excellent name too. “Za” is an acronym for South Africa while “kumi” apparently translates as “10″ in various languages across Africa. Also, it’s fun to say.

Here’s what Zakumi’s televised debut looked like:

He seems pretty friendly, but there’s something that worries me about Zakumi.

From FIFA’s official Zakumi page:

At one time he decided to dye his hair green as he felt it would be the perfect camouflage against the green of the football pitch; a bit like his rosette spots are when hunting in the wilderness!

Does that mean he’s planning to hunt at World Cup 2010 stadiums? I heard a leopard never changes his spots. So that could mean games getting interrupted in 2010 as Zakumi emerges from his grass camouflage and eats a left back (please let it be Ashley Cole). Sounds scary, but it might liven up a few of the group games.

International Football News – World Cup Blog RSS Feed

http://switzerland.worldcupblog.org SwissJan

I like this mascot more than I liked the Austria-Switzerland ones.
However, the best is still France ‘98!
http://littlemissdiana.blogspot.com diana

Agreed, SwissJan. :) My personal favourite is also the France ‘98 mascot.

Me still trying to get used to the 2010 World Cup mascot though.
http://france.worldcupblog.org Laurie

games getting interrupted in 2010 as Zakumi emerges from his grass camouflage and eats a left back (please let it be Ashley Cole).

Even before I read this, I was thinking, “Please, let him eat Cristiano Ronaldo.” Although if he has a taste specifically for left backs, I hope Abidal plays in the group games, so maybe Zakumi will be full before Evra and Clichy come on.

I believe this deserves its own poll: “Which player would you most like to see devoured by Zakumi the WC 2010 Lion?”
Lissette Evil Blue

Laurie totally agree (yes let it be Cronaldo). Yes the poll idea is great
adas

I think he’s more interested in devouring the women.
http://startingeleven.blogspot.com Mike

Mascots are dumb, mere marketing ploys. Distracting from the real issues:

http://startingeleven.blogspot.com/2008/09/unrest-around-2010-world-cup-in-south.html
http://www.worldcupblog.org Daryl

So, which players would everyone like to see Zakumi eat? Leave a few suggestions and we’ll put together a poll.
AJ

Forget eating. I want this pansy leopard to take a large kaka on Kaka’s face.
Golazo

cristiano ronaldo
MARCO MATTEZZI!!!!!!(however you spell it)
david villa
robinho
totti
donovan
joe cole
pique
http://corascostumes.com Cora Simpson

Thank you for liking the 1998 French Mascot. Cora’s Costumes SA produced 15 Footix Mascots for France & we were thrilled to be recocnised to produce the 2010 Mascot. Pictures are painted textiles wirh soccerball shaped spots are handmade & skills are taught to bring this leopard to life. This company has won numerous awards because of this effort & job creation.
Weston

lets see,
christie ron-ron
patrice evra
raymond domenech (oh i forgot, he’s not a player)
rooney
van der sar (i dont care if he has to become the prem. league mascot too)
http://N/A Judy Jacobs

Hi SwissJan, Netherlands,

I’m so glad you like Zakumi ’cause I think he is the cutest mascot ever! And not just because I’m from South Africa; I have checked out all the previous mascots; must say, Spain’s Naranjito is also cute; let’s just hope Zakumi does not like poultry meat, else it will be tickets for Footix! hey, SwissJan, it is just a joke!

Hi Diana, Singapore!

Just look at Zakumi again, he’s really cute! Don’t you think?

Hi Laurie, United States,

Well, here is South Africa in our local soccer, Zakumi will have a joll! I’m a Kaizer Chief supporter; maybe Zakumi must just roar with a huge hunger in their camp, so that they can have a wake-up call…else, yes, maybe he can have Rooney for lunch!

hey all!

let’s embrace our soccer……………………it is the best game!

Power greetings
Judy, South Africa
kelvin

hey is zakumi really the best sa can come up with. seriously. the green pants and white shirt are so boring

south african regards
Catracho

Jeezz people! Zakumi is just another mascot! He depicts the spirit of the best game ever played in the world. Some of you apparently cannot separate politics from the spirit of sport. Shame on you! I personally like Zakumi, a leopard from the African continent. I think it was sheer genious that someone could come up with something like him. My hat to him. Viva el futbol! Long live soccer! Go South Africa WC 2010!!!
I can’t wait for it to start.