First Published in
Rhythm is a universal language and drumming is an integral part of African culture. So it’s only appropriate that the Man of the Match trophies for the first African World Cup represent a djembe drum.
Jonathan Fundudis of Snapp Design had the honour of designing the 64 Budweiser Man of the Match trophies for the 64 soccer games. He sought to capture the unique spirit of Africa in his design.
The trophy had to be sustainable, both in design and manufacture, so Fundudis opted for wood and glass. The wood was sourced from reclaimed sleepers and represents warmth and truth, with the exposed wood grain reflecting a lifelong journey. Double-layered, hand blown glass comprises the body of the drum reflecting the mystery and intrigue of the African continent. It also symbolises a certain transparency found in many of our people and cultures.
The 32 grooves in the base of the trophy are for the 32 competing nations, while the patterns of the glass body of the trophy signify joining hands. There are 11 such figure joining hands, for each of South Africa’s 11 official languages.
A soccer ball motif similar to the patterns found in Zulu craft is found at the circular, flat top of the trophy. This motif was made using wooden inserts and cast shards of recycled Budweiser bottles.
Fundudis was the winner of a nationwide search among artists and designers across various disciplines to create this coveted object. “I wanted to design a trophy than when returned to the home of each Budweiser Man of the Match around the globe, would look upon his trophy and reflect back to a truly memorable first South African and African World Cup,” says Fundudis.
