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!