Nike to kit Singapore national football team for next five
years
SINGAPORE : Singapore got off to a good start to defend the ASEAN
Football Championship this year.
Sportswear giant Nike will kit the Lions for the next five years,
taking over from current apparel sponsor Tiger who will continue to
be the main sponsors.
The Lions will don the new outfit in the tournament's first match
against Vietnam on Saturday.
It was a glorious moment for the Lions in 2005 when they lifted the
Cup in front of their fans.
And 14 of the 22-member squad will once again represent Singapore
in this year's ASEAN Football Championship tournament.
And there is more good news - a new set of apparel, blue for the
home jersey, and white for away matches.
It is hoped the new kit will spur the Lions to better
performances.
"I'm sure the players will be reminded that with the smartness of
the new apparel, when they wear it, hopefully it will bolster their
sense of pride, a reminder that they are playing for Singapore,"
says Associate Professor Ho Peng Kee, president of Football
Association of Singapore (FAS).
The partnership will also see the sportswear giant help develop the
sport at the youth level.
There is also the possibility of bringing in other big name teams
sponsored by Nike, such as Barcelona and Arsenal.
A new red outfit, one that is preferred by the Lions, is also on
the cards.
"We will be working closely with FAS and our Nike global design
team to create the national team kit with a specific local
insights, heritage of local football that we can incorporate to the
next jersey. Those will be launched probably in 2008," says John
Soh, country director for Nike Singapore.
But for now, silver will be the colour on the Lions' minds - the
prized trophy. - CNA /ls
toobad red jersey comes out 2008. Hahaha. During malaysia cup, each
time singapore wears blue, they LOSE!
