Soccer
Kaizer Chiefs express surprise over Barcelona’s strikingly similar new jersey
By Marc Strydom - 01 August 2020 - 14:13
Kaizer Chiefs' commemorative 50th anniversary jersey (left) is
strikingly similar to Barcelona's new away shirt (right), both produced
by Nike.
Image: Twitter / Kaizer Chiefs / Barcelona
Kaizer
Chiefs have expressed their surprise that a new Barcelona jersey is so
strikingly similar to Amakhosi’s commemorative 50th anniversary jersey
released in January.
Chiefs’ marketing director, Jessica Motaung,
said the issue of Barca’s new black and gold Nike away jersey being an
almost exact replica of Chiefs’ strip compounded the disappointment the
Soweto giants had felt that so few of their 50th anniversary shirts had
been printed.
Chiefs’ commemorative jersey was released in early January and sold out in days.
The
clash with Barcelona’s new kit has seen Amakhosi supporters voice their
disgruntlement on the Catalan club’s Twitter posts launching the shirt.
“I’ve had several discussions with Nike about it,” Motaung told TimesLIVE.
“Look, we were actually very instrumental in the design of our 50th anniversary jersey.
“The
chairman [Kaizer Motaung] was very clear about the colours. Because if
you remember the chairman had a black jersey with gold that he wore many
years ago.
“They had the gold numbers and the things like that.
And that design was extremely club-inspired, and we were very specific.
Some of the designs that we received were not quite there, and we were
clear on the heritage and what we wanted.
“We
were very clear about the importance and magnitude of it, and that it
wasn’t a small milestone for us. And we loved what were arrived at, and I
appreciate the work that Nike has done.
“ I was made aware of the new Barcelona design before it hit the market, and I have to be honest we were surprised.
“Also
because of the major outcry for stock that we had [for the 50th
jersey]. It should have been produced for a market that was very excited
for a 50th jersey.
“And
I understand that Nike does projections and they look at past things,
but this was a significant milestone that we knew would catapult demand.
“And we were advised about the lack of
material that we used for our jersey. So we were surprised when we saw
the Barcelona jersey.
“I do know that certain designs will be used again. But the timing was also very soon.
“But that said it’s a beautiful jersey and I hope that the gold and black does for Barcelona what it’s done for us.
“We
have a wonderful partnership with Nike, but in this instance we’re
slightly disappointed that we missed the opportunity to really take it
further with our supporters for our 50th at the level that we
anticipated, and also to leverage revenue.”
Motaung said
supporters can look forward to more 50th anniversary merchandise, and
also Amakhosi’s jersey for the 2020-21 season, being released soon.
Nike
SA communications manager Fareed Mohammed was reached for comment on
the matter on Friday, but said he could not produce a response by close
of business that afternoon.
LINK:
https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/sport/soccer/2020-08-01-kaizer-chiefs-express-surprise-over-barcelonas-strikingly-similar-new-jersey/