Bulk of Flames replica jerseys sold
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) says three quarters of the Flames Moto replica jerseys’ first consignment have been sold within a month of hitting the market.
The association’s marketing and commercial director Limbani Matola said in an interview that despite the consignment arriving after the Flames had exited the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Cameroon, the replicas have been selling fast.
He said: “The reception on the market has been overwhelming. We have sold most of the stock within a month. This is despite the consignment arriving in the country late.
“It seems everyone wants to be associated with the Flames. We appreciate the support from passionate Flames fans.”
Matola attributed it to the euphoria that gripped football lovers following the Flames’ qualification into the round of 16.
Last year, FAM ordered a consignment of 2 500 replica jerseys which are selling at K28 0000.
With three quarters of the stock already sold, it translates into K56 000 000.
Matola said FAM has since ordered a new consignment of 3 000 jerseys as they seek to satisfy demand.
He said: “This new consignment will be in the country within the next 20 days.
“We haven’t used any international clothings apparel as intermediaries. We have a direct manufacturing contract with a manufacturing company based in Vietnam.
“The new order includes replicas for children and also extra large jerseys to accommodate the new market. We want to accommodate all Malawians, including those with large build,” he said.
The Flames Moto jersey was designed by a Malawian, Kondwani Banda, a University of Malawi graduate based in Chileka, Blantyre.
Matola said the design is inspired by a traditional pattern that women use to decorate mud houses in rural communities.
Football marketing consultant Felix Ngamanya Sapao said it is not surprising that the replica jerseys are selling fast because the Afcon hype is still high.
“With the Flames having performed beyond expectations at Afcon, obviously many fans would want to be associated with the team despite the jerseys hitting the market late,” he said.
