Times Of Swaziland: ‘BIRDS’ RAKE IN OVER E200K FROM REPLICAS

‘BIRDS’ RAKE IN OVER E200K FROM REPLICAS
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Nimrod Hlophe on 21/12/2024 09:47:00


MBABANE - Capital city giants, Mbabane Swallows, have made a healthy profit from
the sale of their new merchandise unveiled this season.
Swallows unveiled a Primo kit available in three colours, red, blue and white.
However, fans’ replicas were made available on the market on September 14,
2024, ahead of their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) second
preliminary round game against Mamelodi Sundowns. Each adult replica sells for
E390, while the children’s version, which was made available later, sells for
E280. The red and white outfit has disclosed that they have successfully sold
about 531 adult replicas, with the income going towards the payment of
players’ half salaries for the month of September.
‘Birds’ Public Relations Officer (PRO) Knowledge ‘Bhambo’ Ngwenya,
revealed this yesterday morning while speaking on national radio, Eswatini
Broadcasting and Information Services’ (EBIS) sports show. Reached for further
comment, Ngwenya said they were able to rake in E207 090 from the replica sales.
He appreciated fans who still have bought a t-shirt and encouraged those who
still have not, to get one. He described their replicas as one of the most
beautiful kits this season.Ngwenya also thanked Eclipse Investments for the
successful and transparent sale of the replicas. He believes that more sales
could ease the economic challenges faced by the club. “May I thank all our
sponsors, on behalf of the management committee, for assisting us run the team
this year.
“We’d like to thank Eclipse and Archbishop Bheki Lukhele, as an individual,
for supporting us and investing their money in the team. Their support played a
huge role in the operations of the club, and we urge them to stay with us even
next year, while we remain open for sponsorship,” Ngwenya said. It is worth
noting that merchandise sales are one of the key revenue-generating
opportunities for local clubs. Other sources of income include gate collections
and prize money, all of which supplement the directors’ investment in the
clubs.