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Eddie Chikamhi
Senior Sports Reporter
HARARE giants CAPS United have hiked the gate charges for the upcoming blockbuster clash with traditional rivals Dynamos set for the National Sports Stadium this Sunday.
The Green Machine sought approval from the Premier Soccer League and yesterday were granted their wish to set the cheapest ticket at US$3. The normal charge is US$2 this season but clubs can still apply to the authorities to increase the fares. The PSL confirmed yesterday that the tickets will sell at US$3, US$5 and US$10 for VIP.
The Green Machine chief executive, Charlie Jones, said the move was meant to cushion the club from the high costs of organising high profile games.
Jones yesterday dispelled fears the supporters could be discouraged by the hike, which he said was justified considering the increased overheads.
Last year supporters complained that US$3 was too much for them and had virtually stopped going to the stadium.
“We are looking forward to an increase and we have approached the PSL for guidance,” said Jones. “It’s the case with these big games because they come at a huge cost in terms of organising and also ensuring smooth match day events. The costs are a bit higher.
“So it’s a matter of trying to cushion the club because of the difficult operating environment.”
The league’s board of governors agreed before the start of the season to have the cheapest ticket pegged at US$2 from US$3 last season.
However, for “big” games such as the Highlanders-Dynamos, or the upcoming Derby, the PSL bosses agreed that the minimum charge for the rest of the ground be pegged at US$3.
Clubs are also allowed to make an application to raise gate charges even beyond the US$3 that was agreed on for big games. Initially Makepekepe had mulled US$5 for the Harare Derby.
The game comes at a time when the Green Machine have been enjoying good fortunes. The 2016 champions have started the season brightly and are currently sitting on top of the Castle Lager Premiership table.
They are unbeaten in six games, after recording three wins and three draws. Two of the draws came in big matches against former champions FC Platinum and Chicken Inn in the last two outings.
Those two games really tested the Green Machine’s clout and they should go into the derby high in confidence. Their supporters have been appreciative and Makepekepe had a good number in the terraces for their away game at Chicken Inn, which ended goalless at Barbourfields last Sunday.
“We are grateful this season we have noticed a big improvement from the numbers that came to our matches last year,” said Jones.
“So, we are encouraging all CAPS United fans with green blood to come to the National Sports Stadium on Sunday in their numbers. This is the time to show that they are indeed part of the family.
“We are expecting to play some good football, as we have done with our previous games this season. The goal is to give entertainment to the supporters and at the same time making sure that we remain in a good space. I believe we started the season well and we have to maintain it like that.
“The last game we played (against Chicken Inn) is now behind us. It’s now water under the bridge; the focus is on the upcoming assignment against Dynamos. Of course it’s a derby but I don’t think we are going to put ourselves under a lot of pressure because of that.
“We are preparing for it as we have done with all the other games this season and we remain positive,” said Jones.
Meanwhile, their opponents Dynamos have secured a special travel package for their supporters for the 2023 season in their efforts to boost stadium attendances.
The special travel package, which is set to be officially unveiled next week, will have its trial run this Sunday when they play CAPS United.
According to a statement from the Glamour Boys, the fan travel package is part of the 60th anniversary celebrations and is meant to afford the fans ease of transport to and from DeMbare’s home and away games throughout the season.
The fans will be required to fork out $1 from their localities to the giant stadium and another US$1 back. The move is expected to lessen the financial burden on the supporters, who have been complaining about having to commute twice to reach the National Sports Stadium.
“The package will see fans getting onto special shuttle buses from designated pick up points around Harare, Norton, Chitungwiza and Domboshava, which shuttle buses will take the fans to and from the National Sports Stadium and or Rufaro Stadium, once the ceremonial home of Zimbabweans football is ready to host football matches.
“The return trip will cost $2 and fans will pay the special fare in advance through their fan chapters. Packages for trips outside of Harare will be announced soon.
“The fans are, however, encouraged to regularise their membership with their fan chapters and will always be bound by the general code of conduct of the fan chapters during the trips,” said the statement.
The trial run for the travel deal will see two buses deployed to Chitungwiza and another bus made available for Epworth.
“Pick up points and times for the two fan chapters will be communicated through the respective fan chapters. More buses will be deployed soon after the Harare Derby to ferry the fans back to selected destinations in Harare. Finer details will be communicated through the national fan chapters’ leadership,” said the statement from Dynamos.
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