A symmetry analysis of the valence shell in the boron buckyball B-80 shows a perfect match with the symmetry of the valence shell in C-60. The cap atoms participate in the bonding by 30 orbitals which transform as the sigma-bonds along the 6-6 edges. Far reaching consequences for chemical and physical properties of B-80, which until now only exists in silico, are expected. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.