BFA denies public pressure on kit design
Chakalisa Dube | Friday August 16, 2019 12:18
In March, a number of fans criticised the design of the Zebras home kit, manufactured by Umbro. The kit was launched days after BFA unveiled Umbro as a technical sponsor on a three-year deal, replacing local brand, All Kasi. Following the unveiling of the kit a majority of Batswana said that the BFA could have retained All Kasi as the technical sponsor.
At the time of the kit launch, BFA spokesperson, Tumo Mpatane said despite strong criticism, the association was very happy with the kit.
Some fans had argued the BFA could have invited local designers to come up with creative designs for the kit. This week, the BFA invited members of the public to design the Zebras kit. This prompted suggestions that BFA could have succumbed to pressure from the public to open interest from local designers.
“We just wanted Batswana to express their artistic ability. We wanted to be dynamic and do things differently this time around. Inviting Batswana to submit design proposals is also one of the clauses that is in our contract with Umbro,” said Mpatane.
“I am young, so I have to induce a new way of doing things in the association. I felt that inviting supporters to submit designs would be one way of engaging with Batswana and our supporters.” Mpatane also maintained the BFA is content with the Zebras home kit. “We still maintain that by choosing the design we chose what was appealing to the association and to the nation.”