The official mascot for 2010 FIFA World Cup 'Zakumi' has been officially unveiled for the first time to the public on national television in South Africa.

626 days before the start of the first African FIFA World Cup at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg on 11 June 2010, the cloud of secrecy surrounding the Official Mascot has been lifted.

Embedded in a vibrant African-themed live TV show that was broadcast nationwide, Zakumi made his official debut in front of an audience of millions on South Africa's primetime SABC Coca-Cola Soccer Zone.

The Official Mascot, a leopard, has been designed and produced exclusively in the host country. The name is a composition of "ZA", standing for South Africa, and "kumi" translating into "10" in various languages across Africa. Inspired by his football idols, Zakumi has dyed his hair green as he felt it would be the perfect camouflage against the green of the football pitch.

"Zakumi represents the people, geography and spirit of South Africa, personifying in essence the 2010 FIFA World Cup. We are certain we will have a lot of fun with him in the lead-up to and during the FIFA Confederations Cup and the FIFA World Cup," said FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke.

The original creator of the design is Andries Odendaal from Cape Town, and the mascot costume itself was produced by Cora Simpson of Cora's Costumes cc in Boksburg. "Zakumi is a proud South African and, as such, an ideal ambassador for the first African World Cup. He was born in 1994, the same year as the country's democracy. He is young, energetic, smart and ambitious, a real inspiration for young and old, not only in our country," explained Danny Jordaan.

Lucas Radebe, who has spent the last few days with Zakumi, said that: "He is extremely proud to be the Official Mascot and determined to be the best host possible for all fans visiting our beloved country of South Africa. I am sure he will be a great animator for fans and players as well as for all of us small and grown-up kids."

The tradition of the Official FIFA World Cup Mascot has been in place for more than 40 years. World Cup Willie was the first-ever FIFA World Cup Mascot, invented for the 1966 tournament in England. Official Mascots have come to play a more and more important role in the FIFA World Cup as with their infectiously positive attitude, they have over the years added to the atmosphere of each competition in their own unique way.

Zakumi's main priority is to turn the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa into one huge, joyful and unforgettable party and show the thousands of international guests the warmth and spirit of the African continent.

"He wants to create a good mood for the fans and raise the excitement for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the first on African soil. He is a proud South African and wants to ensure that the world will come together in South Africa," explained Lucas Radebe, South Africa's football icon and close friend of Zakumi.

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Anonymous   |2008-09-24 Good Reply | Quote

Jimbo   |2008-09-24 This is the first time I've spotted this character. Look at his bulging crotch in pic 2 - Is he related to World Cup Willie? And why's he holding the ball? That's what a cheetah would do, not a leopard! Reply | Quote

pete   |2008-09-25 these days leopards change their spots every season Reply | Quote

Angelillo  - Better than the last few   |2008-09-25 I think this is quite a good mascot design and certainly the best since france 1998, the best being world cup willie(1966) and Ciao!(1990) Reply | Quote

John  - better   |2008-09-25 up yours jimbo!!! ur just jealous that u cant think of an idea of a mascot. Reply | Quote

Jimbo   |2008-09-26 I'm sensing some aggression. Zakumi looks cool, in both versions we see here. There is also a link between leopards and SA, unlike lions and Germany, who had Goleo & his sidekick Pille. The likes of Zakumi, Willie, Footix and Goleo are recognisable animals, which would probably make them more marketable than obscure sprites like Ciao! and those weird alien things for 2002. Reply | Quote

Anonymous   |2008-09-26 Anyone else noticed that in the cartoon, the ball is almost identical to the one 1998 mascot Footix carried? Well call me sentimental if you like but I'm hoping that hints at a return of the Adidas Tango, or something very similar for 2010 - very easy to do with the Teamgeist construction - and no more monstrosities like the Teamgeist 2 which (Beach Soccer World Cup aside) looks seriously gash no matter what the colour scheme. Reply | Quote

Anonymous   |2008-09-26 Actually now that I think of it, the Europass was nearly but not quite a 14-panel reincarnation of the Tango. Come on Adidas, do the right thing... Reply | Quote

Juanma  - Nice   |2008-09-27 Is a good Mascot. Reply | Quote

Carla  - Zakumi     |2008-10-01 The Footix (15) was made by the same company that manufactured Zakumi & it is a Proudly South African company & a skills teaching company Reply | Quote

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