As Sepp Blatter finally told the world that there was no plan B and that there was no way that 2010 World Cup would be held anywhere except South Africa (again), I was out and about, trying my best to fulfil his wish that South Africa must get more involved in and more enthusiastic over the event, now just days away, (albeit 542 of them).
Ever since the 2010 Mascot - a cuddly green-haired leopard called Zakumi, was revealed to the world - I have been trying to find some 2010 merchandise with him on for my young son. And it’s been harder than you might imagine. Official outlets are few and far between and even when you find one, they rarely stock children’s stuff. Good plan, guys. That’s great thinking right there. Nice work.
Zakumi
Today, I finally found what I was looking for. A t-shirt for a 3-4 year old with a picture of Zakumi on.
Yours for just… R190. (£12.70, $19, Zim$168,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000).
To me, credit crunch, global financial crisis or whatever, that is an obscene amount of money for a toddler’s t-shirt. Now, I’m not stupid*. I know that as soon as something has a logo on it, the price goes daft. But even Naartjie, South Africa’s premium over-priced kids clothing store can’t match that for a kids t-shirt. When that happens, you know it’s stupid money time.
As with any event where there is money to be made, I expect to see plenty of knock-offs in the lead up to the tournament. And while I certainly don’t advocate buying fake merchandise, one has to say to FIFA – if you don’t want a black market, don’t create one with outrageous prices like that (you greedy bastards).
* Hush. And stop thinking that.
16 Comments
I didn’t even know there was a mascot…it’s cute.
Now go and buy yourself some of that iron on paper…print out the logo and gooi it on a toddlers shirt.
Much much cheaper than that ridiculous price.
Goblin´s last blog post was: I must just remember… (Note: 6000 miles… is not responsible for the content of external internet sites)
Wow! £12.70 is silly money really! I wouldn’t pay no more than 5 or 6 of my English pounds on a t-shirt with the Motif on mate. That does look like one cuddly lion tho!
Wiggy´s last blog post was: Server Move (Note: 6000 miles… is not responsible for the content of external internet sites)
I find anything football-related costs a small fortune – try buying a Man U strip for a child!! England shirts were going for 40 quid a pop, and FIFA did [very little] then!
Goblin’s got a great idea – if FIFA don’t hear your plea, you could join the knock-off market!
Helga Hansen´s last blog post was: Buorrit Juovllat (Note: 6000 miles… is not responsible for the content of external internet sites)
Helga > Why on earth would you even consider buying a Man U strip for a child? Don’t you like the kid or something?
Have to agree with 6000 here! Why mentally scar your kid for the future with a Man Utd shirt! The MIGHTY Sheffield United are the team of the future
Closely followed by Newcastle :p
[this post may have been slightly altered by 6000]
Wiggy´s last blog post was: Server Move (Note: 6000 miles… is not responsible for the content of external internet sites)
I have to say: I think Zakumi is naff. I would have to be paid to wear a Zakumi t-shirt
LMAO! I have never bought a footie strip for anyone, and if I did, it would be a Reading one… long story!!
As it happens, my son hasn’t been sucked in by the football bug – he prefers more cerebral pursuits, like bell-ringing!
Helga Hansen´s last blog post was: Santa’s Little Helpers (Note: 6000 miles… is not responsible for the content of external internet sites)
I think that Zakumi must be the long-lost love grandchild of World Cup Willie, who reputedly emigrated from the UK after the euphoria of 1966.
The others are all here:-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup_mascot
Wait till after the world cup, then you will pick it up dirt cheap. (after the Commonwealth games my sons school were giving stuffed “karacks” as student of the week awards, would have cost $50 – $60 before the games).
What? They’re nuts.
R190 – For that price, you’d expect it to be reversible Guess T-shirt?
What the heck does Zakumi mean? I wanna know who named that lion. Might be blatter himself.
Darkchocolate´s last blog post was: Please stop them growing, so I can catch up (Note: 6000 miles… is not responsible for the content of external internet sites)
DC > Zakumi. ZA = South Africa, kumi = Ten as in 2010. And it’s a leopard. Obviously.
Obviously a leopard – they can be distinguished in the savannah by their green hair…
Lady Fi´s last blog post was: Flani-whats? (Note: 6000 miles… is not responsible for the content of external internet sites)
If you want unique South African football headwear, check out the makaraba hardhats which are individually custom hand painted and sculptured. Ignore the prices online and contact them directly. Well worth the price. My hardhat is fantastic and ready to wear for the next two years. Stuff paying rip-off prices for t-shirts!!
http://www.makaraba.co.za
To DARCKCHOCHOLATE: The Prefix ZA means South Africa KUMI is translated differently in many African languages but broddly it means “10″ thus concluding Zakumi “South Africa 2010″.
In one of South African Languages Zakumi means ” come to me” that is isiXhosa language which is the mother tongue of the greatest legend that still living Dr Rolihlahla Nelson Mandela.
Cheers Chockie, keep well.
Man now FIFA is givin it cheap, WORLD CUP ended and they must sell the stock. The ZAKUMI SHIRT FOR KIDS 2,40 €URO NOW.