FLORIDA, USA — Jamaica replica kits were proudly on display at some venues of the recently concluded CONCACAF Gold Cup, and it is expected that the history-making feat of the Reggae Boyz would have boosted interest in them.

At Sunday’s final of the Gold Cup between the Boyz and Mexico, which the latter won 3-1, the Cedella Marley-designed Romai Sportswear kits appeared to be a hit with the largest Jamaican crowd in attendance at all six games, as fans were seen sporting the new designs.

The prices, in one shop at Lincoln Financial Field, ranged from US$60 to US$90. At this point, it could not be determined whether the sales were good or not, as only the Dubai-based Romai would have those figures, according to JFF general secretary Raymond Grant.

As part of the US$4.8 million deal with the new company, a percentage of all merchandising activities will go to the JFF. The yearly allocation for the overall deal is worth US$1.2 million, with the JFF being able to negotiate how much of that is used for equipment, and the rest given in cash.

Romai has been making available training gear, which includes shirts, shorts, socks, sweat suits,bags, caps, footballs, and winter gear involving gloves.

The Romai deal covers all 11 national teams — male and female. JFF President Captain Horace Burrell said he understands that interest in the replica gear is growing rapidly, and the success of the team at the Gold Cup is seen as a big boost to that.

“Most definitely, this is a winner (partnership with Romai) for a company just coming on board and they are excited, and they expect the excitement to culminate in more support for the programme,” Burrell told the Jamaica Observer in Philadelphia on Sunday. The JFF boss used the opportunity to call on further corporate support from Jamaican companies.

“We need the support of corporate companies because when you look at the USA and Mexico, they have strong corporate support, and we have to get to that stage, because if we want to go to the World Cup, these are the countries we must beat.

“I humbly call on Jamaican firms to follow the example of Romai, because they believed in our football programme and invested and now they are reaping the rewards, and it’s not too late for local companies to jump on board a train that is going for greater success as we look to World Cup 2018,” Burrell said.

— Sean Williams