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Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
GIANT global sports apparel manufacturers Adidas yesterday unveiled the Highlanders Football Club kit for the 2014 season in Bulawayo.Speaking at the presentation ceremony, South Africa-based sports manager for Adidas brand, Bob Maphosa, said they had improved the new jersey and it was in line with global football jerseys that are used by English Premiership title contenders Chelsea and defending Uefa Champions Bayern Munich FC of Germany.

“On the new jersey, Adidas have remained true to the club’s traditional colours of black and white. But unlike last season, the jersey features a Condivo design around the collar and the sleeves in line with all the global football jerseys such as Chelsea and Bayern Munich this season. It also features a bridge like band set across the shoulders which enhances the jersey’s iconic look with additional detail,” Maphosa said.

Highlanders’ skipper Innocent Mapuranga, Milton Ncube, Mgcini Sibanda, goalkeeper Munyaradzi Diya and on-loan winger Kudakwashe Mahachi, paraded the new vertical-striped jersey which incorporates the Adidas climate trademark technology.

According to the kit manufacturers, the fabric is soft and lightweight for superior moisture management that conducts heat and sweat away from the body to keep players cool and dry in warm conditions.

The branded new Bosso jersey replicas will be available for sale to the public in three weeks time for $50.

Although no official figures in terms of the number of replicas which were sold last year were given, Maphosa said a significant number of the 5,000 which were made available were sold.

He said demand from retailers had increased for the 2014 jersey. In South Africa, Adidas has three more retail outlets that have shown interest in joining the current two to distribute the Bosso merchandise.

“Since entering into a partnership with Highlanders last year, I am delighted to report to you today that in the first year of operation, the jersey sales have had unprecedented success.

“Thanks to our unrivalled presence at many prestigious football tournaments like winning the Mbada Cup and coming second in the Premiership, we have enjoyed growth in market share and have set high standards for sports retailers in the country. As a result, with the support of consumer activations, promotions and competition initiatives, we will ensure that Adidas supports the club to significantly improve on the offer to the Highlanders consumer with a quality product that is accessible,” Maphosa said.

On retaining the replica price at $50, Maphosa said the jerseys were genuine products and were of high quality.

Costs associated with shipping the replicas to Zimbabwe as well as taxes meant to protect the textile industry in the country had led to Adidas maintaining the price.

Under the terms of the deal, which was facilitated by the club’s sponsors BancABC through Edzai Kasinauyo, Adidas South Africa will supply replica shirts to be sold at selected shops and during games with the two clubs entitled to about seven percent for each unit sold.

With each shirt set to retail at about $50, the clubs can expect up to $3.50 for each shirt sold.  The club stands to get a significant amount if it manages to sell more replicas.

Seven percent is the standard percentage worldwide for replica jerseys.

Asked by the media whether they would consider changing colours at some stage, Bosso bosses were adamant that they would stick to their black and white which has become more of a trademark and tradition. Fans all over the world associate Highlanders with black and white.

BancABC regional manager Fordson Musingarabwi said they were excited with their involvement with Highlanders through their corporate social responsibility programme.

He challenged Bosso to excel in all competitions.

“Now the challenge for Highlanders is for the team to excite us and fans on the pitch and continue with good results which excite the fans.
“Fans also have a part to play as buying replica jerseys will go a long way in supporting the club,” Musingarabwi said.

Highlanders’ chairman Peter Dube thanked the sponsors for their renewed faith in their brand.

“Our partners recognise the Highlanders brand and they saw a business opportunity in partnering us. This gives us so much hope to be chosen to partner with such brands. We are calling on fans and businesses to help build and nurture this partnership by getting these products,” Dube said.