Monomotapa hike gate charges

permission by the PSL and have pegged the cheapest ticket at US$5 while access to the Upper Grand Stand and the VIP sections cost US$10 and US$20.
“We applied to the Premier Soccer League last week and we were granted the right to hike the gate charges.
“So fans should be prepared to pay a little bit more, just like what happened in the last game between Dynamos and Highlanders.
“This is an equally big match and I am sure the fans will get value for their money,” said Mukoki.
The hike in the charges, however, is not likely to deter the DeMbare faithful who comprised the majority that filled the stadium to capacity last Sunday.
According to statistics from PSL, this was one of the largest crowd witnessed at Rufaro in recent years as over 28 000 people paid through the gates to watch the match.
The match grossed a record US$168 440 and left DeMbare with US$100 050 in their coffers.  
From that trend, Monomotapa, who have had a good run this season, could be in for a big pay day as another sell-out crowd is expected considering the hype surrounding the last three matches involving Dynamos and Highlanders which are crucial in the title race.
Bosso will travel to face Hardbody in Gweru on the same day as they also battle to keep alive their dream following a 1-0 win over Buffaloes during midweek.
Monomotapa are a distant third with 47 points and they no longer have a say in the championship race following their shock 0-1 defeat to Gunners on Wednesday.
Monomotapa, however, have vowed to put behind them their midweek setback as they now shift attention to a super-charged Harare derby.
Mukoki yesterday said the 2008 champions were not promising their players any special incentives.
He said the club is now fighting to consolidate third place.
“Monomotapa always come to the party when they play against the big teams. It’s a stage for these boys to shine and let me say that we will not do anyone any favours because we want to cement our place on the log standings.
“It’s going to be such a fight and some people will cry on Sunday.
“We have never changed our incentives because of the nature of the game. Whether it’s a big game or not our bonuses remain the same.
“Instead this may tend to place the players under a lot of pressure. Look at what happened to the Warriors before the Angola game?
“Some players could have started planning for new lives in Borrowdale as we speak but the big promises didn’t pay off.
“So, we are saying to our players ‘go out there and enjoy your football in all the games and then at the end of the season we will sit down and review how the team performed the whole year.’
“As it is at this stage we are happy with the progress in both the league and the Mbada Diamonds Cup and what I can only say is that these guys will be rewarded handsomely,” said Mukoki.
Their opponents Dynamos have more to play for as they need maximum points in their remaining games to make sure they successfully defend the title.
Dynamos stand-in skipper Tawanda Muparati said they are aiming to collect maximum points in the remaining matches following their morale-boosting win at Mambas.
“It’s not a case of waiting to see how other teams are going to fare. At this stage we have to play for ourselves in order to win the championship. It’s like we have to treat each game as a cup final,” said Muparati.
But there is uncertainty over the availability of midfield star Denver Mukamba who was withdrawn by his club DC Academy until an outstanding debt of US$6 000 was settled for his services. Mukamba, who is on loan at Dynamos, was barred from training with the Harare giants.
But after banking US$100 000 this week, DeMbare appear to have no excuses for failing to pay the bill.
Dynamos secretary-general Raymond Kazembe could not be reached for comment.
Fixtures Week 28
Tomorrow
CAPS United, Motor Action (Rufaro)
Sunday
Monomotapa v Dynamos (Rufaro), Buffaloes v Black Mambas (Sakubva) Hardbody v Highlanders (Ascot), Quelaton v Chicken Inn (Luveve), Blue Rangers v Shabanie Mine (Gwanzura), FC Platinum v Hwange (Mandava), Gunners v Harare City (Lafarge)