Nainamvalappu in Kozhikode is known for its football crazy people. They live and breathe the game. Jerseys of their favourite team is the preferred dress code at work, all through the year, for most people here, be them carpenters or fishermen.
This obsession is a blessing for siblings Suhra and Beevi. For three years they have been stitching jerseys, of local clubs and international teams, for the local fans. The business is alive and kicking.
It was Suhra who realised a business opportunity in her neighbours’ interest. The sisters set up a shop at Nainamvalappu bazaar, just two buildings away from the office of the Nainamvalappu Football Fans Association. Orders have been pouring in from all quarters.
“Major order comes from our locality itself. We have so many teams here and they all need jerseys,” said Suhra. Orders also come from clubs in other parts of the district, but the sisters are not able to accept all as they are quite busy round the year. “Now with the World Cup going on, we do not even have time to breathe,” Suhra said with little exaggeration.
Jerseys of almost all teams in the World Cup adorn a table in the small unit the sisters have set up. “We either download pictures from internet or ask the clients to give a sample. Banyan cloth is used for all pieces,” Suhra said. They charge Rs.140 for sleeveless jerseys, while the full-sleeve ones cost Rs.170. The rate is uniform for all sizes.
Suhra and Beevi are part of a large family and have been following football since childhood. “We have both Brazil fans and Argentina fans among us, and it is quite a war in the house during the matches,” Suhra said with a smile turning towards the yellow jersey she was stitching.