Gilbert Ondimo

Category: Accessories

Competitions: Africa

LEATHER SHIN GUARDS. The global motto for leather industry is always to embrace the use of leather be it in fashion, footwear, furniture or automotive interiors. Africa is a football continent and we have the highest number of livestock because of our good climate. We therefore need to take advantage of our leather resources to create awareness in the entire region on the manufacture of high-quality leather shin guards, kick pads and other sporting equipment. In most cases we import shin guards and other protective guards which are made of synthetic materials like polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Does this mean that we aren’t innovative enough to sustain our sporting activities through leather protective gears? Must we use plastics and synthetics which of Couse are environmental unfriendly and also not sustainable in the sense that they cannot be used for long? The decision to make shin guards from leather material is actually the top most of all that have always been thinking of. From my local village where I stay, and as a footballer, I have always witnessed the use of plastic shin guards by players including myself. As a leather technologist, leather shin guards are the solution. The idea was out and the journey began by analyzing the best materials to use considering the leather properties and the all whether environmental conditions. The best leather is generally considered to be high-quality cowhide leather due to its exceptional durability, tear resistance, and ability to absorb impact effectively, making it the preferred choice for shin guards. Leather is often considered the best material in terms of longevity, durability and comfort. It withstands heavy use and repeated impacts without easily tearing or wearing out. Leather can be made to absorb water, resist water, or be completely waterproof. The property of absorption and desorption (release of absorbed moisture) is actually applied in the choice of the leather used here. Perspiration is drawn from the shin area into the leather and then evaporates. Leather can hold large quantities of moisture without feeling damp so the shin remains dry and comfortable without the chill of fast evaporation or puddling of cooling perspiration. Another reason why I chose leather in this case is due to its strong thermal insulation capabilities. Heat insulation is a measure of the rate at which heat passes through a material. And because leather contains a large volume of air (which is a poor conductor of heat), the heat travels incredibly slowly through the material. We have Also used some sponge/foam and the EVA material. This is basically to create a secure and comfortable fit that absorbs impact and provides the ultimate protection on the shin region. Conclusion; The global leather industry is a dynamic and complex sector with significant economical impact to the society and targets to meet diverse consumer needs. While it continues to generate substantial revenue globally, Africa as a sporting hub needs to embrace circular economy model, focusing on durability and technological innovations on leather sporting equipment.