Never have there been such high expectation in the World Cup as there are in 2010 – at least not for a ball.  The official World Cup ball to be used in South Africa this year is called “Jabulani”, which means “be happy” or “rejoice” in isiZulu.  Though not a description normally attached to an item that is kicked and chased all match, officials feel the scientifically designed ball will make the World Cup only that much greater this year.

«This ball will unify us in this country,» World Cup organising committee chief Danny Jordaan explained at the unveiling ceremony for “Jabulani”. «It carries a lot of hope for the future of this country.»

The ball, created by Adidas, the mega manufacturing of sporting goods, is made of eight thermically-bonded, three-dimensional panels spherically molded from ethen-vinyl acetate and thermoplastic polyurethanes textured with specially developed grooves to improve aerodynamics.  Though it is unknown if the space-age ball with have any effect of the performance of the game, it has been endorsed by famous players such as Frank Lampard, David Beckham, Kaká, Xabi Alonso and Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Watch the spot

According to Adidas, the 11 colors of their aesthetically pleasing Orb of Humanitarianism represent not only the 11 players in the starting line-ups, but also the 11 official languages and 11 communities of the hosting nation, South Africa.

Certainly there will be more to watch for in play at Fifa World Cup South Africa 2010TM as “Jabulani”, the first celebrity ball, takes center stage also.