Makaraba pimped ahead of 2010 Soccer World Cup

The Makoya Fan Helmet, as South African as its thunderous footballing partner, the Vuvuzela, is the famous South African football helmet that’s worn by die-hard, enthusiastic fans, and as the time comes for South Africans to host the world’s biggest sporting event, the Fifa World Cup, the world is going to see football in all its African glory: loud, colourful and exciting.

Key to the vibrant image of African football is the Makoya Fan Helmet, also known as the Makaraba. The typical Makaraba’s, that display support to local teams and their sponsors, originated in the in the early 80s and are worn with intense pride by South African soccer fans. Since each one is traditionally hand-sculpted and painted, they are difficult to produce easily and quickly for large orders.

But now that Makoya Designs introduces the merchandised version of the Makaraba, this exciting fan helmet is widely available. And the demand is already huge – serious interest has been shown from America, Europe and even Canadian ice hockey teams. In South Africa, it is not only targeting soccer but also cricket and rugby.

In true African “ubuntu” spirit, there’s a social responsibility to the helmets. Michael Souter, a trained graphic designer, started the Makoya Makaraba six years ago as a project to create employment, and to develop a product for the sports fans of the world, that was uniquely South African. From small beginnings, the company and the Makaraba has grabbed world attention. Every component of the product is manufactured in South Africa, making it uniquely South African.

Paul Simon – ex YDE founder, joined Makoya Designs to help grow the phenomenon: “I was introduced to Michael around six months ago and based on the massive potential I saw in the product, I decided to get involved, and Makoya Designs was established as its own entity.’’

Makoya fan helmets are perfectly suited for both corporate branding and the retail market, and come complete with clip-on /clip-off display ears. The helmets are top quality and can be worn over and over again, adding great flair to the visual excitement in the stadiums of every sport event. Together with the Vuvuzela they are “Loudly and Proudly South African” in colour and design.

The Makoya dream is for every sports fan, both locally and abroad, to have a truly South African memento, and to inspire to fans around the world. Along with all the other sport crazy South Africans, Makoya Designs are an enthusiastic and dedicated team and these helmets capture the spirit and passion of South African football. They hope their SA-inspired helmets will ignite and enthuse every sports fan and be an integral part in showing the world the best World Cup ever.

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