Umbro will supply the official match ball of the Africa Cup of Nations, the UK company has announced.
The new partnership with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) sees the iconic sports brand become the exclusive ball supplier for the Total Africa Cup of Nations 2019 in Egypt. The tournament will be played for the first time throughout June and July with 24 nations competing.
As the exclusive ball partner, Umbro will supply the CAF with the top-level Neo Pro ball, which is FIFA certified to be used at the highest level of the game. The Neo Pro features a textured Teijin Microfibre outer casing for ‘durability, accuracy and true flight dependability’. It also has a five-layer construction with a latex bladder for a consistent bounce, and a hand-stitched 14-panel design with sealed seams to ensure zero water absorption.
“The Neo Pro ball is beautifully designed. The bounce is consistent, and the textured outer casing gives you excellent feel and accuracy. I’m excited to be a part of the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 and can’t wait to use the new ball at the tournament” said Darren Keet, South African national team goalkeeper.
Keeping up with a longstanding tradition of supplying top-level balls to major tournaments around the world, Umbro has most recently supplied the Coupe de la Ligue ball in France and the official ball for the Liga Nacional de Futsal in Brazil.
“We couldn’t be prouder and more honoured to have been selected by CAF as the official supplier of the match ball for the Total Africa Cup of Nations 2019. Football is the biggest sport in Africa and as an authentic sports brand deeply rooted in football, we believe this partnership is a perfect match. Moreover, the tournament being played in Egypt will further reinforce Umbro’s brand presence in the country. Fans will be able to purchase the official replica ball in selected sports stores in Egypt and UAE”, said Tom Grzelak, Head of Brand at Umbro Middle East and Egypt.
Umbro is celebrating it’s 95thbirthday this year and is looking to increase its presence in the Middle East having already successfully partnered with Al Ahly SC in Egypt and Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia. The Mancheser-born brand currently has kit deals in the English Premier League with Everton, West Ham and Bournemouth.