My Football Shirt Project: 2011

Friday, 30 December 2011

Belize

Belize playing 'away' against Montserrat in the first World Cup 2014 Qualifier played in Trinidad & Tobago.

Belize is a small country in Central America, formerly known as British Honduras it is dwarfed by Mexico to the north, and Guatemala to the west. Belize is a member of the Commonwealth and Elizabeth II is their head of state. They are also the only Central American country to speak English as their first language.

The Belize national football team have done nothing of any particular note since they were inducted into FIFA in 1986. They were the first team to win in qualification for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil by coming from behind to beat the tiny island nation of Montserrat 5-2. Belize were almost kicked out of the competition all together after the Belize government failed to provide security for the home leg. The game was postponed causing disruption to the Montserrat team who had many UK based semi-pro and amatuer players.

Belize - Away - 2011

This shirt is HUGE, and incredibly hard to find. I originally tried contacting the only footballer that I knew living in Belize, former Charlton Athletic star Andy Hunt. No luck anywhere until this randomly appeared on the US eBay. I got it, just, and for a hell of alot of money.

Saturday, 24 December 2011

Guyana

Guyana players celebrating something.

Guyana (formely known as British Guiana) has had a football federation since 1902 which I'm guessing makes it the oldest federation in CONCACAF, I'm prepared to be corrected there. I'm probably making this all up now but I'm guessing some bloke from Britain came over with a football and spread football, like with any religion and their missionaries.

Guyana finally joined FIFA in 1968, two years after their independence from the UK. Despite never winning anything of note they have improved significantly in recent years, climed from a record low of 181st in 2004 to 86th last year. The Golden aguars leap up the FIFA world rankings is mainly thanks to a run of 10 consecutive wins in 2006 which saw them climb 87 places.

There are several Golden Jaguars in the English leagues, the most well known of which is Charlton Athletic's Leon Cort alongside his older brother Carl Cort and Ricky Shakes of Ebbsfleet.

Guyana - Home - 2011

Finally I've managed to get hold of the final country from main land America (Belize is on it's way). This one has frustrated me for quite some time now. Guyana got their first kit sponsorship in 2008 from the French firm "One Equipment" (or 'OE'). However I've been unable to find any information about them via google. Later on in 2008 the Guyana team started playing in a copy of the OE shirt, but this time under the name 'GJ', presumably short for their nickname 'Golden Jaguars'. These shirts were for sale, but only if I lived in North America.

Finally in 2011 Guyana start playing in Plus One shirts, a firm from the USA (who make their shirts in China). I've been trying for years to get in contact with Plus-One since they breifly supplied Haiti, and signed a contract to supply Uganda. However I never heard anything back despite them advertising sales on their website.

Here you go:
http://www.guysportsdevelopment.com/merchandise.html

Friday, 23 December 2011

Equatorial Guinea

The Equatorial Guinea Youths or "Mini Nzalang" in July 2011

Equatorial Guinea - Away - 2011

Thanks to @NzalangMundial for the photo!

Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea vs Chad

Equatorial Guinea - Home - 2011

I love this shirt. I love any shirt that isn't just a Puma/Adidas template. These shirts came from a lovely lady who works for Brokal, the spanish makers of the Equatorial Guinea shirts.

Unfortunately Equatorial Guinea have just signed a 5 year deal with Puma. Although some of the new Puma Africa range are very nice, I doubt that Equatorial Guinea will be given the same attention.

The shirt was sold to me as "match worn U19 shirt" by a Thai seller. Since the AFC U19 Championships was hosted by Thailand, then I am inclined to believe them.