Pirates, Guzzani kit deal collapses
MBABANE – The exciting kit deal for Moneni Pirates by local clothing designer Guzzani could not be concluded.
A source close to the deal revealed that the two parties entered into a deal, where by Guzzani would produce a kit for the ‘Sea Robbers’ of Moneni in the coming season. The source said all was set for the partnership to start after the new design by Guzzani was presented to the supporters in one of their meetings with the Management Committee (MC), which was held at the Manzini National Library.
“The supporters loved the Guzzani design and were looking forward to seeing the team donning it in the new season,” the source said.
He was however, quick to highlight that the deal with the local clothing designer was not at all dead as the Moneni-based side was still hoping that it would eventually happen.
“The challenge was that the team had a verbal agreement with Umbro, which is left with a year now, so when they forwarded the Guzzani design they were reluctant to use it, as they do the designs for themselves,” the source added.
He also said the team would engage the local designer once the Umbro verbal agreement was over, as their main mandate was to incorporate locals to be part of the team.
Meanwhile, Guzzani Clothing Director Linda Malinga confirmed that they had a deal with Pirates, which they loved. He revealed that the challenge started when the team took the design to Umbro and they took long to return to him.
“They told me about their Umbro deal, but after involving the dealer, they took long to give me feedback and I am still waiting for them as I am ready to continue partnering
with them,” Malinga said.
He did not want to go into detail on how the deal would have benefitted both parties, as he said this was a confidential matter, which might jeopardise future engagement with the team and others that might need his services in the future. On the other hand, Moneni Pirates Public Relations Officer (PRO) Sibusiso Nkambule said they were currently working something out with Malinga, as well as other entities in terms of a new kit.
“We are trendsetters when it comes to kits; the management is busy working on something which will be unveiled soon,” Nkambule said.