Kiribati launches shirt - reveal big plans

Oceania correspondent for:

The Kiribati Island Football Federation (KIFF) have revealed their new shirts.

The shirts are made by Stingz, who work in partnership with a lot of national teams in Oceania, and feature some of the symbols of the Kiribati flag.

“The Kiribati home jersey is inspired by Kiribati’s national flag, with a red shoulder and upper chest panel transcending into an orange sunset hue, white waves in the mid section before transcending into a dark navy lower panel,” manufacturer Stingz write of the shirt.

Alongside the shirt, Kiribati also have revealed plans for their footballing future, with an ambitious project.

They want a “full-time national team”, they state in a press release.

“KIFF plans to select 24 of the best players from across Kiribati’s islands. These players will train full-time in the capital, Tarawa, under the guidance of professional coaches. To support their commitment, each player will receive a small monthly stipend, enabling them to focus entirely on their development.

This program not only aims to improve individual skills but also to create a pathway for players to join professional leagues across Oceania. The national team will represent Kiribati in regional matches, uniting the nation and showcasing its footballing potential.”

Their ultimate goal: Membership of OFC and FIFA.

There’s also an away shirt (Photo: Stingz)

Among the sponsors and partners of the new project, and the shirt, are former Arsenal player Perry Groves as an amabassador, manufacturer Stingz and Young Pioneer Tours and Giordano.

“The company have been involved in the Pacific for a number of years and we care deeply about the place. This is our way to help development in Kiribati while being involved in a really exciting project,” Gareth Johnson of Young Pioneers Tours tells Football in Oceania.

KIFF plans to organize matches against neighboring Micronesian countries, providing players with invaluable experience and exposure.

“These matches will also help Kiribati build a case for OFC and FIFA membership,” the press release states.

You can buy a Kiribati shirt from the Stingz website here.

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