Lovemore Dube, [email protected]
HIGHLANDERS had all the reasons to walk tall after its match against Dynamos netted US$51 000 at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
The match coming at the end of the Kuzana Sport and Creatives Economy Sports Expo came at the end of a hectic sporting week in Bulawayo.
In a show of support to the creatives and sport, the Ministry of Sport initiated and sponsored some activities during the week.
The expo brought together sporting and creatives industry stakeholders, as they shared ideas on how to grow these two industries.
The Highlanders versus Dynamos clash at Barbourfields on Sunday attracted 10 000 fans as the two teams continued their dominance on turnstile attendances.
It was not an ordinary league or cup game but a game used to celebrate Highlanders’ 100 years milestone.
With curtains coming down at the expo held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Grounds, the event brought Government heavyweights to Bulawayo and other stakeholders.
A total of 9 838 fans paid through the turnstiles to watch the match.
Gross takings were US$58 804 and R5 680.
Zimra’s share of the revenue was US$7 891,45 and R762.
Highlanders’ share was US$50 912,55 and R4 917 according to reconciliation sheets seen by Zimpapers Sports Hub.
The Ministry of Sport bore some of the expenses with waivers agreed on except Zimra which was paid.
Highlanders had all reasons to smile after the Ministry even took care of the Dynamos team appearance fees.
Sunday’s match won by Dynamos 1-0 kicked off the October activities of the club’s 100 years celebrations.
A family sports day which coincides with the club’s half marathon is set for October 24 while a music extravaganza will be held on October 31.
Highlanders is the oldest club playing in the Premiership today having been formed in 1926.
