adminTHE Harare Derby between CAPS United and Dynamos at the National Sports Stadium on Monday has broken all records in terms of low attendance figures in recent years.According to figures obtained on Tuesday, about 12 100 people paid to watch the match with conservative estimates indicating that CAPS United collected nearly $60 500 from the gates.
CAPS United, as the home team, had hiked the gate charges to $5 for the cheapest tickets.
However, the game suffered a dent in the build-up when the Green Machine players boycotted their clash against How Mine at Luveve on Thursday.
From the nearly $60 500 collected by CAPS United at the gates, $38 500 went towards expenses for hosting the match which included ground rentals, SRC, ZIFA and PSL levies, police, private security and ambulances services.
At the end of the day, CAPS United were left with a net surplus of US$22 000.
The club could have collected more from the gates but were fleeced when nearly 200 people forced their way in after breaking one of the entry points.
A section of the fans, irked by the high charges, from the normal $3 threw missiles at one of entry points and gained access.
When CAPS United hosted Dynamos at the same venue last year, the Green Machine saw 21 067 fans paying their way into the stadium.
The Green Machine grossed $65 100 from the 2014 game where the cheapest ticket was going for $3 and the fans created a carnival atmosphere befitting for a Derby.
The hosts CAPS United were left with $34 000 after deductions while in 2013, Makepekepe grossed $107 000 with $59 000 going towards expenses in their match against Dynamos.
In the return leg Dynamos had 20 600 fans paying and the match grossed over $100 000 at Rufaro. — Sportszone.
Online Reporter