i was just reading this in wiki...........
The match ball for the
2010 World Cup, manufactured by Adidas, is named the Jabulani, which means
"bringing joy to everyone" in isiZulu. The number eleven plays a prominent
role in the new technologically advanced ball: it is the eleventh
World Cup match ball made by the German sports equipment maker; it
features eleven colours, one for each player on the pitch; and
there are eleven official languages in South
Africa.[54][55] A special
match ball with gold panels will be used at the final held in
Johannesburg.
The ball is constructed using a new design, consisting of eight
thermally bonded, three-dimensional panels. These are spherically
moulded from ethylene-vinyl acetate
(EVA) and thermoplastic
polyurethanes (TPU). The surface of the ball is textured with
grooves, a technology developed by Adidas called
GripnGroove[56] that is
intended to improve the ball's aerodynamics. The design has
received considerable academic input, being developed in
partnership with researchers from Loughborough
University, United Kingdom.[57] A number of
players, especially goalkeepers have complained about the
new ball, arguing that its movements are difficult to
predict.[58] The balls
are made in China, using latex bladder made in India, thermoplastic
polyurethane-elastomer from Taiwan, ethylene vinyl acetate,
isotropic polyester/cotton fabric, glue and ink from
China.[59]
MIC balls!
