Fam exco to decide on Flames kit deal

The Football Association of Malawi (Fam) executive committee meeting scheduled for this Saturday will decide on the future of Flames kit deal with International Apparel Design Institute (Isadi), which is set to expire this month.

Fam and the South African firm signed a three-year deal in January 2018.

However, negotiations on the extension of the deal with Isad have not commenced.

Fam Commercial Director Limbani Matola confirmed that the matter would be discussed at the meeting.

“The Executive Committee will give us guidance on the way forward,” he said.

In October last year, Fam received another consignment of 2000 replica kits, but the sales have been affected due to Covid-19 as fans are not allowed to watch international matches.

As part of the deal, Isad supply kits to both men’s and women’s national teams as well replica kits for the fans.

Local sports analyst George Kaudza-Masina said the association should exercise caution when reviewing the deal.

“The deal has not benefitted the association because the sales have not been impressive. Isad is not a popular brand compared to other brands, so people always want to be associated with popular brands. But I think by now Fam should have made a decision on whether they are extending the deal,” Kaudza-Masina said.

Fam sealed a deal with Isad after it did not renew the contract with United Kingdom (UK) kit manufacturer Umbro.

Previously, the Flames had deals with kit manufactures such as Puma, Adidas and Umbro.

Isadi is owned by former Bafana Bafana, Fulham and Cardiff City star Kagisho Dikgacoi and Japanese investors.