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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
CHAMPIONS Dynamos have hailed the move by Harare City Council to reduce the charges at Rufaro Stadium by five percent and offer two free training sessions for the team before every home match.
Rufaro was abandoned by both DeMbare and CAPS United who felt that the charges levied by the city fathers were too high with the council taking 20 percent of the gross gate takings.
The two giants relocated to the National Sports Stadium, where they were offered favourable rates, but have been playing at Rufaro because the giant stadium was booked for other activities.
The Glamour Boys, though, return to the giant stadium today for the TM Pick n Pay Challenge Cup showdown against Highlanders.
DeMbare, though, are set to return to Rufaro for their league matches.
Club chairman Kenny Mubaiwa said they were happy with the council’s move but they had expected something even better.
“We are happy with the council’s move and we hope that with the same charges, with that of the National Sports Stadium, Rufaro will remain the first option, considering its centrality.
“We were hoping that they will reduce the tax to 10 percent as we also have other services to take care of. We pay security (ZRP), Sports Commission, Zifa and PSL so it still affects us. I think with all our requests we have laid down for Council, I believe this is the beginning of good things and this will help teams,” said Mubaiwa.
The DeMbare boss said they had also asked the Council to maintain the artificial surface at Rufaro.
“We have also requested the Council to look into issues to do with maintaining the stadium so that the players are protected,” said Mubaiwa.
“I hope they are looking into our issues seriously.”
The council proposed a reduction in the stadium charges in July and they have been deliberating on the issue leading to the resolution made last week.
The Council had collected only US$130 000, from a budget of US$630 000, after the flight of the big boys from Rufaro.
Online Reporter