Federation of Uganda Association (FUFA), the body governs football in Uganda have invented a new ball that will be used for all competitive games across the country.
Named ‘Zakayo,’ the ball has been named after the famous Uganda Wildlife Authority Chimpanzee that died in 2018.
The making of the ball provides for three patches of the Uganda flag that stand for ethnicity, abundant sunshine, and brotherhood.
There has been extensive experiment of the ball on different grounds, including bare pitches and the texture is suitable to last long enough.
According to FUFA, “Zakayo has been made with consideration of the latest trends in terms of texture, design, durability and flight.”
The ball is aimed at the purposeful development of football straight from the grassroots.
“Whenever a community has access to a ball and playground, football stars are made,” said FUFA President Moses Magogo during the launch.
“𝗭𝗮𝗸𝗮𝘆𝗼 will cost Ushs 50,000 & Ushs 100,000. This will be the official matchball for all FUFA Competitions.” FUFA CEO Edgar Watson Ssuubi.
It should be noted every Uganda Premier League club has been given 25 balls (20 for the Senior Team and five for the Junior Team).
While, each of the FUFA Big League clubs has received 15 Balls, while FUFA Women Super League teams have also received 15 balls.
In the same way, FUFA has also launched JANZI, the official FUFA SportsWear Manufacturer.
The company is fully owned by FUFA and will produce all merchandise for FUFA brands including National Teams
FUFA President explained the idea behind Janzi and how it will help the Federation to improve its brand.
“As FUFA, we are always innovative and today we unveil to you, Janzi, the official Sportwear Manufacturer of all FUFA sports gear and assortments,” he started.
“Janzi is a registered trademark that will help FUFA to avoid middlemen. We all know that the several kit manufacturers don’t own factories but only package and sell to us. We believe having our own brand will help us to get these items at a cheaper price.” He added.
Janzi will produce items such as Zakayo (FUFA official Matchballs), jerseys, travel bags, tracksuits, caps, hats, branded cups, umbrellas etc.
The event was also graced by FUFA 3rd Vice President Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi and FUFA Executive Committee members Rogers Byamukama, Issa Magoola, Ronnie Kalema and Apollo Ahimbisibwe. And several club Chairpersons/ Presidents, former and active players, the media and other personalities.
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