Zakumi

Th cliché that the WC has started is far from being thruth. But the step made yesterday was a hge one.

Zakumi, according to some sources, is the conjunction of South Africa (SA or ZA) and 'kumi' which represents the number 10. This phenomenological approach give us the formal institution of the football; the 11 players. According to Jerome Valcke, FIFA's General Secretary, Zakumi is truly African and was born in the emblematic year of 1994, the independence of South Africa.


The mascot in the football industry is a doble entity. In Saussurean terms it would be a linguistic sign. It has the responsability of including both the local supporters and the club's identity into 'one being.' To fancy this has a great deal of para-textual aids, such as the common usage of language, the environment and even club's history. The 'Goonersaurus' is a very special charactr which I will not mention in order to not deviate ourselves from the theme.

Take 'Goleo' for example. The Germany's 2006 WC mascot was a complete disaster. Mainly unpopular with kids and the fact that had as companion a ball that speak was annoying to many fans. Another thing to consider with the unpopularity of Goleo was the fact that he was "naked" from waist downwards.



With Zakumi we have the return of the mascot after the wreckage of the last two world cups, and two EURO.

Finally somebody who THINKS has brought us a good mascot. A truly defined mascot with identity.