CHAIRMAN of Dubai-based Romai Sportswear, Khamis Al Romaithi, says Jamaica’s unique but diverse culture was the lure that led his company to sponsor the national football programme. Romai, a relatively new sportswear manufacturer based in the United Arab Emirates, will outfit all 11 national football teams — male and female — for four years in the first instance. That deal, as confirmed by the company’s Managing Director Omar Massri, is worth US$4.8 million (approx J$670 million) and is the most lucrative ever for the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF).

“The Jamaican football team and the Jamaican culture is an international brand… people all over the world love the reggae music and Bob Marley. “We believe that Jamaica will be the best exposure for us in the region, as I think Jamaica is the most in-demand country in the Caribbean, perhaps because of the culture,” Al Romaithi told the Jamaica Observer following a press conference on the Kingston waterfront yesterday. Romai’s top man said he was happy that his company could contribute in a serious way to the development of Jamaica’s football.

“We are proud of this partnership and happy that we can make a contribution in strengthening Jamaica’s football.” The kits, said to be conceptualised along the lines of cutting-edge modern fashion, were due to be introduced to Jamaica at a free concert in downtown, Kingston, last evening. Al Romaithi said he was happy with the designs done by Cedella Marley, daughter of reggae superstar Bob. “We are happy, and with Cedella Marley doing the designs [it] brought value to us… when Romai designs a kit, it represents the team or country, and we think Cedella Marley is the person to do that now because she’s a great designer. But, apart from that, it’s part of our culture whenever we sponor a team, we go for a designer from that country,” he said.

Marley, who attended yesterday’s press conference, was confident that the public will love the designs. “The kits are fabulous, and I thank you all for choosing me and to think that my stuff is cool,” said the ambassador of the Reggae Girlz. JFF President Captain Horace Burrell said yesterday that both parties stand to benefit from the partnership. “We are lucky to have landed this deal, which will bring mutual benefits for the parties involved. We know that Brand Jamaica is very strong, and I know it will do for Romai what it desires.

“This is indeed a momentous occasion for Jamaica’s football, and the goal of the Federation must now be to ensure that the activities under this agreement will help to keep Jamaica’s football programmes on the path to success,” he noted. The yearly allocation, according to the deal, is worth US$1.2 million, with the JFF being able to manoeuvre how much of that is used for equipment, and the rest being given in cash. Romai will make available training gear and match gear, which include shirts, shorts, socks, sweat suits, bags, caps, footballs, and winter gear, including gloves. Just about everything, except footwear. The Reggae Boyz are expected to start sporting their new gear at Copa America to be staged in Chile June 11-July 4. — Sean Williams