The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has adopted a Nigerian language name for its official match ball for interclub competitions.
CAF revealed that the new match ball, in collaboration with PUMA, is OLA.
In a statement by the football body on Wednesday, CAF clarified that “OLA” holds significant meanings in both Yoruba and Arabic languages. In Yoruba, it signifies “wealth,” “honour,” and “respect,” while in Arabic, it represents “rise” and “success.”
It reads: “Ahead of this weekend’s blockbuster line-up that sees Africa’s top clubs battle for TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup and TotalEnergies CAF Champions League top honours, Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) and PUMA have unveiled a new match ball: OLA,” the governing body announced.
“OLA will be used this weekend – starting in Tunis when Espérance Sportive de Tunis host Al Ahly of Egypt in the first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Final and on Sunday when Zamalek hosts RS Berkane in the second leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final at the Cairo International Stadium.
“OLA, which means “wealth,” “honour,” and “respect” in Yoruba, and “rise” and “success” in Arabic, was chosen to symbolize the dynamic and energetic nature of African football.
“Embodying the spirit of Africa, Ola’s design is inspired by the continent’s vibrant colours, art, and traditions.”
The newly introduced match ball will be used for the two-legged CAF Champions League final, featuring Al Ahly and Esperance, as well as the return fixture of the CAF Confederation final between RS Berkane and Zamalek in Cairo on Saturday, May 19.
