Puma launches environment kit
Jan 06, 2010
NAIROBI - German sportswear giant Puma on Wednesday unveiled a “unified African kit†the continent’s teams can use if their national colours clash during the African Nations Cup and World Cup finals.
NAIROBI - German sportswear giant Puma on Wednesday unveiled a “unified African kit†the continent’s teams can use if their national colours clash during the African Nations Cup and World Cup finals.
Designed to help create awareness for the safeguard of the environment, the African Unity Kits were launched in Nairobi, where the German firm announced a partnership to raise funds for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to support the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity.
Cameroon star forward Samuel Eto’o, whose side is one of the 12 teams being sponsored by Puma at the African Nations Cup finals which start in Angola on Sunday, took part in the unveiling of the new uniform.
Eto’o, along with the rest of the Cameroon squad arrived in Nairobi on Tuesday for a nine-day pre-Nations Cup camp.
“In 2010, Africa will be at the centre of the footballing world. Puma is creating a unique kit embracing the diversity of African Nations teams while valuing the unity of players and supporters towards a common goal,†said Puma chief executive Jochen Zeitz.
“Biodiversity and therefore valuing and protecting all life on our planet is a huge issue, not only in Africa, but around the world. We are proud to partner with UNEP to raise both awareness and funds through the sale of Unity products,†he added.
* Cameroon are expected to name a replacement later for Joel Matip after the German-born teenager failed to join up with their African Nations Cup squad.
The Schalke 04 midfielder did not travel to Nairobi and team officials said the 18-year-old, who has a Cameroonian father and German mother, had not received a passport in time.
However the country’s sports minister said he had sought permission to join up late with the squad due to a school exam.
His club coach Felix Magath said the call-up was a surprise.
“In our view it makes no sense he travels there,†Magath told the club’s website.
Designed to help create awareness for the safeguard of the environment, the African Unity Kits were launched in Nairobi, where the German firm announced a partnership to raise funds for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to support the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity.
Cameroon star forward Samuel Eto’o, whose side is one of the 12 teams being sponsored by Puma at the African Nations Cup finals which start in Angola on Sunday, took part in the unveiling of the new uniform.
Eto’o, along with the rest of the Cameroon squad arrived in Nairobi on Tuesday for a nine-day pre-Nations Cup camp.
“In 2010, Africa will be at the centre of the footballing world. Puma is creating a unique kit embracing the diversity of African Nations teams while valuing the unity of players and supporters towards a common goal,†said Puma chief executive Jochen Zeitz.
“Biodiversity and therefore valuing and protecting all life on our planet is a huge issue, not only in Africa, but around the world. We are proud to partner with UNEP to raise both awareness and funds through the sale of Unity products,†he added.
* Cameroon are expected to name a replacement later for Joel Matip after the German-born teenager failed to join up with their African Nations Cup squad.
The Schalke 04 midfielder did not travel to Nairobi and team officials said the 18-year-old, who has a Cameroonian father and German mother, had not received a passport in time.
However the country’s sports minister said he had sought permission to join up late with the squad due to a school exam.
His club coach Felix Magath said the call-up was a surprise.
“In our view it makes no sense he travels there,†Magath told the club’s website.