The mascot for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa is unveiled in
Johannesburg, with Fifa opting for a leopard for the showpiece football
tournament's first visit to Africa.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS, SOUTH AFRICA (SEPTEMBER 22 2008) FIFA/SABC -
Zakumi, a green-haired leopard, was revealed on live television in
South Africa on Monday (September 22) as the official mascot of the 2010 World
Cup.
Zakumi bears a passing resemblance to the first FIFA official mascot,
World Cup Willie, a goal-kicking lion, who burst onto the scene in the 1966
finals held in London.
The leopard's name comes from ZA, standing for South Africa, and Kumi
meaning ten in various African languages. South African interactive designer
Andries Odendaal of Cape Town designed the leopard, while the costume was made
by Cora's Costumes of Boksburg.
A promotional video made by the 2010 organisers show the leopard
dancing with children and playing football. The mascot's purpose is to promote
the 2010 World Cup both in South Africa and abroad.
His likeness will be stamped onto official merchandise including
badges and posters.
Recently FIFA president Sepp Blatter, on a tour of inspection to South
Africa, called on the organisers to increase publicity and advertising about
the tournament. He complained that he had entered the country without seeing
posters and leaflets about the World Cup at the airport.