No low-spec Flames replicas for now

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) says the first consignment of Flames’ replica jerseys do not include low-spec items as it earlier pledged.

When the association secured a deal with Flames’ new kit sponsor—International Sports Apparel Design Institute (Isad)—its president Walter Nyamilandu said the deal would include production of low and high-spec  material to accommodate the masses as well as the up-market customers without compromising quality or security.

But FAM marketing and commercial director Limbani Matola yesterday confirmed that the first consignment does not include the low-spec replicas.

“[But] that remains in our folder. We are working to have low-spec replica jerseys so that a lot of fans can also afford to buy and we expect them in early December, but surely the next consignment will include the low-spec replicas,” he said.

However, a Ndirande Township-based Flames fan Samson Chathyoka said priority should have been the ordinary fan.

“We are the ones who cheer the team at the stadium and, therefore, priority ought to have been given to us this time around,” said the fan who is a minibus tout.

Matola also said the replica jerseys, which are in two types—red and black—have hit the market and the wholesale price has been pegged at K16 500.

“Last Saturday, the executive committee of FAM met to scrutinise the jerseys in terms of price, design and quality. We are glad to inform Malawians that the jerseys have been found to be of very high quality and the price has been set at K16 500 for wholesale and a minimum quantity of five.

“What this means is that Malawians can put their money together and buy these jerseys directly from FAM. For our strategic partners and outlets, they are also welcome to buy them at wholesale price,” he said.

Matola said it was agreed during the meeting that the retail price should not exceed K20 000.

“This is to allow our football fans to buy these jerseys at an affordable price.”

The previous Flames’ Umbro replica jerseys were selling at K15 000.

Matola also warned against piracy, saying they have put in place mechanisms to track down potential counterfeiters.

“Should they be found, we will report them to police so that the law can take its course,” he said.