The fourth jersey, available for collection, will be released this season by Selangor……

The Red Giants home shirt, which is being offered for sal

e in 6,000 copies, will not be accessible to fans until May.

The first 2021 Malaysian league shirt to be released this season, the Selangor FC home kit, has allegedly sold well despite being exclusively available online, in contrast to prior seasons.

Less than 48 hours after its release, the strip that was modeled after the team’s 1986 Malaysia Cup winning uniform was already sold out when Goal visited the club’s web store on Wednesday morning. Resellers also reportedly claimed that their stock was nearly finished.

The good news for supporters is that on Thursday, 1,600 additional shirts will be made available via the club website.

The negative? Fans who want to purchase one will have to wait until May once the current batch runs out.

“We have around 1,600 more pieces coming in on Thursday or Friday, and that’s all we have for now. The club have sold 2,500 so far, and when these are finished, we will have sold a total of 4,200 of the kits. Combined with those sold by Joma (the manufacturer) and resellers, there’s about 6,000 of them being sold for now.

“We didn’t order too many because we were cautious about the interest during the pandemic. If we do a new reorder, the shirts will only arrive sometime in early May because they are made in China and the coming Chinese New Year.

“Fans have a last chance to get a copy tomorrow (Thursday) when we restock our online store, if not they will have to wait until May!” explained club CEO Johan Kamal Hamidon to Goal over the telephone.

Altogether, he is impressed by the sales figure generated after just over one day, considering the pandemic restrictions in place currently in the country.

When asked whether he is concerned that the long wait for the production of the next batch of the home strip, as well as the fact that the cheaper fan edition of the shirt will only be made available at a later date, will lead to it being counterfeited, Johan expresses his belief that the Red Giants fans will do the right thing and avoid purchasing bootlegged merchandise.

“This sort of thing can’t be stopped,” he admitted. “Although the lockdown may have helped curb the physical sale of counterfeit goods somewhat. It will happen and can’t be avoided unfortunately.

“I believe our fans are well aware and supportive enough to get our original merchandise from authorised dealers. They have a strong sentiment to support the club.”

He also revealed to Goal Selangor’s plan to sell a fourth kit this season. When asked whether it will be viewed as a cynical cash grab, Johan countered that it is what the club’s own supporters want.

“It’s a special edition kit commemorating our 85th anniversary this year.

“It’s what the fans want, they want something that is limited. This particular kit will only be produced in a limited number, and will come with a certificate and an identification number. It’s a collectible item,” stated Johan.

However, the release dates for their second, third and fourth kit are yet to be determined according to Johan, due to the pandemic restrictions. For example, Johan had first told Goal that the home kit will be launched in early January, instead of the eventual launch date of February 1.

“I can’t reveal the colour of the away strip, but it will be different compared to the home and the third kits.

“And tt has not been designed to celebrate anything from the past, this one’s for the future; something more youthful and energetic,” he added.