On Friday 16th February 2024 at FUFA Complex in Mengo, FUFA launched Janzi as the official FUFA Sportswear manufacturer. Janzi produced the official FUFA matchball Zakayo and will also produce the official referees’ attire and other sports gear(equipment).
Football lovers enjoy debates and more so about those attached to the beautiful game. Since the launch of Janzi and Zakayo, there have been frequent questions asked about the two new kids on the block from the FUFA Projects list.
In this article, the FUFA Communications Department gives you answers to some of the questions.
1-What is Janzi and what do they do?
Janzi is a registered trademark as the official FUFA Sportswear Manufacturer of all FUFA sports gear and assortments. Janzi will produce items such as Zakayo (FUFA official Matchballs), jerseys, travel bags, tracksuits, caps, hats, branded cups, umbrellas, referees’ kits etc.
2-Who owns Janzi?
Janzi is 100% owned by FUFA.
3– Why the name Zakayo?
The reason behind the name Zakayo was to embrace Uganda’s heritage and we all know that one of Uganda’s biggest tourist attractions are the Chimpanzees. Zakayo was a legendary Chimpanzee whose story dates back to 1963 in Semiliki National Park but later transferred to Entebbe Zoo (now Uganda Education Wild Life Centre) where he lived until his death in 2018. So, the official Matchball was named Zakayo to keep the legacy alive.
4– What are the key details on the Zakayo ball?
The ball has been made with consideration of the latest trends in terms of texture, design, durability and flight. It has patches of the three colours of the Uganda flag. Black, yellow and red that stand for Ethnicity, Abundant sunshine and Brotherhood. The texture on the ball’s outer skin is designed to offer consistent flight, rate of spin and speed.
Zakayo is made of synthetic leather and of Size 5 with a diameter of 8.6 (22-23 cm) and circumference of 27”-28” (68-70 cm). The mass of the Zakayo ball is between 14-16 oz (400-450g) with a pressure between 8.5-15.6 psi (58.6-107.6 kPa).
5 – Was the ball tested enough before its launch?
There was extensive experiment of the Zakayo ball on different grounds, including bare pitches and the texture is suitable to last long enough. Before the final product, there were two samples that were tested on different grounds in Uganda last year.
6 – Where are the balls sold?
The Zakayo Balls can only be purchased at the FUFA Merchandise Shop at FUFA Complex, Mengo. However, FUFA is in the process of releasing guidelines on how to become an official dealer of the Janzi branded sports equipment. The approved list will be communicated to the public through all FUFA media platforms.
7 – What is the cost of the Zakayo ball?
The Ball has two categories. Category One which is the premium quality is sold at Ushs 100,000 while category two is sold at Ush 50,000.
8- Where will the Zakayo ball be used?
It will be used during all FUFA Organized Competitions and FUFA Authorized Competitions.
All matches in the Uganda Premier League, FUFA Big League, FUFA Women Elite League, Stanbic Uganda Cup and FUFA Juniors League will be required to use Zakayo during their competition matches.
However, individuals can purchase and own the ball and use it for competitions that do’nt fall under FUFA.
9. Why isn’t the National team using Zakayo?
The different national teams usually participate in competitions organized by FIFA, CAF and CECAFA that already have another official football supplier.
10. Is Janzi open for business with other stakeholders?
Janzi is ready to serve other football stakeholders and other sports disciplines.
Football clubs, football competition organizers and the general public are encouraged to place orders with Janzi on+256765332916 and +256743484566 or janzi@fufa.co.ug
Zakayo #ThePride
