Did you know that the Maties squirrel mascot, Pokkel, used to have a different look – and a tail? Die Matie sent out a survey to hear current Maties’ opinions on two versions of the iconic Pokkel from past and present. 35,3% of the responders said that they prefer the Pokkel we know today, but 64,7% believe a squirrel should have a tail.
Pokkel from 2004
Analog horror.
Straight from my nightmares.
OG Disney-like style. Love it.
His dead eyes and whiskers are unsettling. It could just be the analog horror photo.
This version looks more like a squirrel, but lacks facial expression.
So cute – typically Stellenbosch.
Which episode of Backrooms is this?
This version looks more like a squirrel, but lacks facial expression.
It’s an old school, throwback design which works but the current one is better as it doesn’t look creepy.
This is amazing and I love it.
It’s actually cute, but it doesn’t embody “Pokkel” like the current Pokkel. I’d rate it a 6.5 out of 10. The whiskers aren’t that life changing, to be honest.
A bit ominous in my opinion. Dead eyes.
This one looks kind of scary.
I do not like this. It is scary.
So cuteeeee!
It’s very cute. I like the whiskers.
Not really.
Kinda creepy.
Cute!
Makes much more sense!
Yes.
If an A3 had a visual representation, it would be this.
So cute, plus we have squirrels all over Stellies!
This depiction of the mascot feels a lot more authentic and is considerably more clearly a squirrel.
I like him, because he looks more realistic than the current Pokkel and he looks more approachable.
He looks a bit cuter than today’s Pokkel, but quite unsettling in this photo. The whiskers and tail are quite cute. A squirrel needs a tail.
Eyes are a bit creepy, whiskers are excessive, but the tail is great.
The photo looks kind of creepy… lol… But I really like this version of Pokkel. The tail makes him stand out as an obvious squirrel, and he looks really cute! He doesn’t have a whole lot of character, though… His facial expression is kind of blank and thoughtless. Still cute. But could be better. I love him though!
Pokkel today
Cosmic horror.
He looks a bit like the original Alvin and the Chipmunks’ long-lost brother with none of the singing ability, but he makes it up with his dancing ability.
Good facial expression, but doesn’t really look like a squirrel.
O no!!!
More modern and doesn’t look too creepy. I prefer this one.
Yes, a lot.
Love it.
Cereal box mascot man 🙁
It’s okay.
I like that it’s more cartoon-ified; it feels more inviting and friendly.
I find him a bit scary-looking
This actually does not look like a squirrel at all. Eyebrows are creepy, needs a tail, colour is wrong.
Love this Pokkel. 9/10. The eyes and smile are everything! It’s giving Alvin (I know Alvin is a chipmunk but it’s close enough). Main character syndrome and everything nice.
Quite solid, but without a tail he is a chipmunk.
This one looks friendlier and cuddlier.
Scary. Imagine seeing this 03:00 in your room.
He’s fine. I didn’t realise it was a squirrel though.
Where is his tail? Is he a rat?
Less creepy but something still feels off.
I didn’t realise that it was a squirrel until this form specified, so I would say that this wouldn’t be the most effective depiction of a squirrel in terms of Maties support.
Ah, my liefie! Such a cutie – just needs a tail!
Thick and oulik.
I like that it’s more cartoon-ified; it feels more inviting and friendly.
Pokkel has quite an intense look on his face, but his energy makes up for it.
Mmmmm… I love our Pokkel. I do. But he’s not giving “squirrel” enough imho. He looks angry, which is honestly a good look for our sports games; strong and challenging or whatever. So, I’m not against the clear facial expression and the dark eyebrows. But come on, he could be a hamster. Or a chipmunk. Or a kangaroo. Or a weird-looking capybara. If I didn’t know, I wouldn’t immediately guess he’s a squirrel (but in his defense, the fact that he hails from Stellies is obviously quite the clue…). I love him too.
Creepy af tbh. And hectic eyebrows. Bring back the tail and whiskers.
Evil.
