With only a couple of weeks to the start of the Super 14, the Lions and the Cheetahs need to look at possible new kit sponsors following the shock news of the voluntary liquidation of the South African arm of apparel supplier Canterbury SA. Both franchises have most of their kit ready for the season but Lions president Jannie Ferreira said the collapse of Canterbury could cost his union about R2m.
Canterbury SA is also the kit supplier to the Sharks and the popular Varsity Cup competition, its sudden collapse has left top rugby officials with a major headache as the Varsity Cup is due to start next week and could be seriously affected, as Canterbury supplies the competing teams. Most haven’t received a single item yet.
Canterbury are said to have assured everyone that they will stick with them and help them out. It’s very uncertain at this stage, but they’re having board meetings over the next few days and there will be clarity soon on what can be rescued.
Should the Cheetahs and Lions secure a new sponsor before the Super 14 starts, it could raise some logistical issues over registering the playing strip in time for promotional material to be made. Ferreira said (quote) I cannot see Sanzar turning us down if we need to change the strip slightly at this late stage,we don’t intend deviating from our playing colours.(end quote)
Brimstone’s clothing manufacturing subsidiary, the House of Monatic, under which Fifth Element’s marketing falls,a clothing design and wholesale business that owns fashion and sportswear supplier Canterbury International SA (Pty) Ltd, plus surf wear and fashion brand, O’Neill SA. Is apparently the target of an SA Revenue Service investigation into financial irregularities.
mohammed says
lock the bastards up and throw the keys away because innocent people have to suffer due to the neglect of a few greedy indivuals