PUMA CEO LAUDS CAPE TOWN AS 2010 HOST
November 2008

Cape Town, South Africa, 5 November 2008 - PUMA CEO Jochen Zeitz has given the thumbs up to Cape Town's World Cup 2010 stadium after inspecting the site today.

"I've surveyed the progress on the construction of Green Point Stadium. This is a world-class facility in the making. It is going to be an impressive stage for all of the World Cup dramas to unfold, set against the backdrop of Table Mountain. You can't ask for a better venue," Zeitz said.

Having jetted in to Cape Town to welcome PUMA's il mostro yacht at the completion of the first leg of the Volvo Ocean Race 2008/9, Zeitz took the opportunity to tour the World Cup 2010 stadium under construction in the city.

Addressing a press conference after the tour, Zeitz said PUMA is thrilled that South Africa will host World Cup 2010. He also discussed the sports brand's plans for 2010 and its commitment to Africa and the continent's football traditions.

Zeitz said no region in the world is more synonymous with PUMA than Africa. The company sponsors 11 national teams on the continent including powerhouses Ghana, Egypt, Ivory Coast and Cameroon. Every one of the five African Cup of Nations champions since 2000 has been a PUMA team, as were all five African teams that qualified for World Cup 2006.

The commitment to African football extends beyond 2010 with the Ivory Coast, Senegal and Ghana contracts extending beyond the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. "This (Africa) is very much our home," Zeitz said.

PUMA's African family features many of the continent's legends including Jay Jay Okocha, Patrick Mboma, Lucas Radebe, Rashid Yekini, Tony Yeboah, Roger Milla and Samuel Eto'o, as well as Jomo Sono and Doc Khumalo who attended the press conference.

Zeitz said PUMA's presence in South Africa in 2010 will extend beyond the football pitch, as activities are planned for fans and spectators off the field.

"Our commitment to Africa extends beyond just the teams and athletes; there's something in it for everyone who loves the game of football. Just as we did at Euro 2008 and World Cup 2006, we want to introduce an element of fun and engagement for fans. Expect music, expect art, expect surprises," he said.

PUMA® is the global Sportlifestyle company that successfully fuses influences from sport, lifestyle and fashion. PUMA's unique industry perspective delivers the unexpected in Sportlifestyle Footwear, Apparel and Accessories, through technical innovation and revolutionary design.  Established in Herzogenaurach, Germany in 1948, PUMA distributes products in over 120 countries. For further information please visit www.puma.com

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