Wealth and Respect: CAF goes full Yoruba to name match ball for blockbuster CAFCL, CAFCC finals
Inspired by colours, arts and traditions, CAF has chosen a Yoruba name for the match ball slated for its elite African club competitions.
Ahead of this weekend’s highly anticipated CAFCL and CAFCC finals, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and sportswear giant PUMA have unveiled a brand-new match ball – the ‘OLA’.
The OLA ball will be used in the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup finals, starting with the first leg of the Champions League final on Friday, where Esperance host Al Ahly of Egypt.
CAF finds Yoruba name for CAFCL, CAFCC ball
The name ‘OLA’ was carefully chosen, as it means “wealth,” “honour,” and “respect” in Yoruba, as well as “rise” and “success” in Arabic, per the CAF website.
This symbolises the dynamic and energetic nature of African football, which the new ball aims to capture.
Embodying the spirit of the African continent, the OLA’s design was inspired by the region’s vibrant colours, art, and rich traditions.
The ball’s striking visual aesthetic is sure to add to the excitement and spectacle of this weekend’s highly anticipated club football showdowns.
The unveiling of the OLA is the latest collaboration between the two organizations, as they continue to elevate the profile and global reach of the game across the continent.
With the match ball sorted, the stage is now set for this weekend’s highly anticipated finals. The OLA ball will undoubtedly be the focal point of the action, serving as a symbol of not just the rise and success of African club football but its respect at the global stage.
