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Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
THE Chibuku Super Cup final pitting Bulawayo Chiefs FC and Herentals FC played at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday attracted one of the biggest crowds in the local league this season prompting calls for the Premier Soccer League to consider lowering gate charges for next season.
Most matches last season failed to attract crowds and why local fans have shunned the local game has been a topical issue. The clash between Dynamos and Highlanders, one of the biggest in the domestic league could only attract 2 000 at the National Sports Stadium at the end of last month.
Some are of the view that the US$3 entry fee that PSL charges for league games is too much and the numbers that came to watch the final for US$1 was evidence of that.
Herentals coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziwa is for the reduction in gate charges.
“We lost but the crowd was impressive and from this, I register myself as one of the people advocating for the gate charges to be reduced,” Mutiwekuziwa said.
“Being considered some of the small teams in the league, I think the attendance gave a good picture of what could be the solution for attendance to our local game.”
“For us, that was the largest crowd we have played before since we gained promotion into the league. It’s massive although it came on a disappointing note for us.
“I would urge the football authorities to reduce the cost for matches. The final was a dollar and it made a difference. Also venues are a determining factor when it comes to fans coming to the Stadium.
“You look at Barbourfields Stadium it’s the home of football because it is accessible to many people. You look at the National Sports Stadium in Harare it’s not accessible compared to Rufaro Stadium,” said Mutiwekuziwa.
For a final that did not feature any of the big teams in the country, it was quite an impressive crowd. The PSL has put the crowd at 5 500. The impressive midweek marketing road shows and ticket giveaways are other factors that attracted fans. – @innocentskizoe
Online Reporter