adminRicky Zililo Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS have decided to maintain their gate charges for the big match against Dynamos on Sunday at Barbourfields Stadium despite the fact that the “big game” euphoria has gripped the city. The country’s most followed teams clash in a match many believe is a championship decider.
In an interview yesterday, Highlanders’ treasurer Jerry Sibanda said they are not increasing the gate charges as they want soccer fans to come in their numbers.
Soccer fans will pay $5 for the rest of the ground with charges for the wings set at $10 while those that want to sit in the VIP section will part with $20.
“People expected us to increase the gate charges since it’s a big game but we resolved to maintain the charges for the benefit of our loyal fans. We reviewed our charges from $3 to $5 and this has enabled us to pay the players’ bonuses and meet our travelling expenses for away matches without borrowing as we used to do. There is therefore no justification to increase the charges for Sunday’s game,” said Sibanda.
Matches involving Highlanders and Dynamos have always been the cash cow for the service providers such as transport operators, vendors and other stakeholders as well as the two clubs.
Last year’s league encounter at Barbourfields Stadium involving the two teams saw more than 25 000 people paying to watch the epic battle which ended in a one-all draw.
This was the biggest crowd that the league recorded in the first half of the season.
The last time Highlanders had huge crowds was in 2006, the year they won the championship. Their game against Dynamos had more than 26 000 people paying to watch while that against Caps United the same year had more than 33 800 spectators.
In 2007 there were more than 20 000 people for the Dynamos game at Barbourfields, more than 19 000 the following year and the numbers dropped drastically in 2009 when just 12 000 fans paid to watch the clash of the giants.
The following season the number increased to 15 000 and last year there were 16 000 people for the tie.
Highlanders’ fine form that has seen them shooting to the top of the log and now enjoy a two-point lead over Dynamos, has restored confidence in their supporters who believe that Bosso can win the title. A big turnout is therefore expected at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
Sibanda said they have also secured the outside grounds at Barbourfields which will be used for parking.
“The city council has given us permission to allow football fans to park at the secure outside grounds. Each vehicle will pay $2 to get in and there will be tight security,” said Sibanda.
He urged fans to come to the stadium early to avoid congestion.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter