adminA survey by Business Chronicle revealed that there was an increase in patronage by night spots especially those with flat screen television sets since most soccer fans are eager to watch the Afcon matches.
Club Forty40 night club manager Mr Andrew Nzombe said the leisure centre had registered an increase in patronage since the commencement of the Afcon games.
“We witnessed an increase in our clientele after the beginning of the Afcon games, with customers frequenting the night club to watch the soccer games in the company of friends.
“Before the games we used to record brisk business only on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening but since the Afcon kick off we are registering brisk business almost every day during matches,” said Mr Nzombe.
He said most of the imbibers including people of sober habits preferred to watch soccer matches in the company of their friends.
“The majority of people prefer to watch football matches while they are drinking and debating with friends in comparison to watching the games at home where most of the family members are usually not interested in football,” he said.
Pub La Gondola manager Mr Joe Mshibhe said there was an insignificant increase in patronage in pubs since most of their customers were still trying to recover from the January disease.
“We have seen a slight increase in customers frequenting the bar with the majority of our customers complaining about financial problems since they spent their money during the festive season and paid school fees at the beginning of the school term,” said Mr Mshibhe.
Imbibers who spoke to Business Chronicle said they were willing to sacrifice to buy a few pints while they watched matches despite the January disease.
“It is exciting to watch soccer in the company of friends which creates an exciting and competitive environment since we will be supporting different teams,” said Mr Clive Sithole.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter