1 400 replicas for Flames not sold
Some 1 400 Flames replica jerseys worth K21 million (about $30 828) are gathering dust at Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Chiwembe offices more than a year after the launch of the national football team’s Umbro kit.
FAM invested K51 million (about $ 74 869) in the business venture with an estimated profit of K20 million (about $29 360).
But so far, the association has managed to sell 3 600 replica jerseys at K15 000 (about $22) each of which 1 500 were bought by Flames official sponsors Carlsberg Malawi.
FAM general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda said the association was exploring other avenues to make sure the consignment is cleared-off so that another one can be ordered.
“The executive committee meeting resolved that the remaining 1 400 replica jerseys still in stock should be sold out by among other things opening some sales outlets in the major cities including Chileka and Kamuzu International Airports.
“The meeting also proposed to fully roll-out the Smart Corporate Supporter Initiative including having a ‘Friday Flames Initiative’ for the whole country,” Nyirenda said.
Soccer analyst Charles Nyirenda attributed the slow sales of the jerseys to Flames’ poor performance.
“Prohibitive cost and uninspiring performances of the Flames are the reasons for this scenario. It will be a while before we can have a Flames side that enjoys massive support and makes Malawians proud,” he said.
The Umbro kit was launched in October 2014 at College of Medicine Sports Complex after FAM sealed a uniform deal with Umbro.
The launch coincided with the Flames’ Africa Cup of Nations Group B qualifier against Algeria’s Desert Foxes at Kamuzu Stadium.
FAM courted the English sportswear and football equipment supplier based in Manchester following the mutual termination of its contract with Puma towards the end of last year.
The association also faced the same problem of poor sales of Puma replica jerseys and had to slash the prices from K9 000 to K5 000. n
