Burkina Faso

Home 2012/13; Puma

Like the Gabon and Algeria shirts from this collection, the Burkina (as the country is often shortened to) shirt was initially released for the 2012 ACN and used again at the current ACN in 2013. Also like the other shirts in this range, it was designed by a local artist, this time the honour falling to Saïdou Dicko.  The graphic on the shirt is taken from the FA's crest, which in turn has burrowed the two stallions form the country's coat of arms.  This also lends itself to the teams nickname, 'The Stallions'.  Strangely, many of the shops selling this, are selling the version that featured no crest, but did have the watermark graphic, making for quite an odd looking shirt. On the matchworn shirts, the national flag was often placed under the crest.  So that leaves three different versions of this shirt that have been produced.  It is a very nice shirt, in my opinion.  I'm quite fond of the shade of green used here.  In terms of cut and shape, it is quite tight fitting but nowhere near as tight as the player versions. Thankfully.  Interestingly (or not), the back of the neck on this template has also been used by Puma for some of their rugby shirts, including Ireland's.

Burkina's greatest moment on the international stage is developing as I write.  They have reached this year's ACN final, to be played tomorrow (Feb 10th).  Previously, a fourth placed finish as hosts in 1998 was their greatest achievement.   They have never been to a World Cup.

Burkina Faso was previously called The Republic of the Upper Volta, but the name was changed in 1984 to include words from the two main local dialects. "Burkina", from Mòoré, may be translated as "men of integrity", while "Faso" means "fatherland" in Dioula. "Burkino Faso" is thus meant to be understood as "Land of upright people" or "Land of honest people". Inhabitants of Burkina Faso are known as Burkinabè.