admin
WE write in response to the article published in your newspaper on 23 May 2024 with the above headline.
We are concerned that your publication did not provide us with an opportunity to respond to these allegations before the story was published.
By omitting our perspective, the article has presented a one-sided and potentially harmful narrative.
These unfounded and misleading claims are not only damaging but appear to be an attempt to tarnish the image of our league.
The PSL has implemented strict gate control measures to ensure the integrity of our operations.
Our system includes the deployment of qualified cashiers, police presence at the gates, and private security personnel to check tickets.
Additionally, the home team is actively involved in observing and verifying the gate processes.
For the match in question, we opened 28 gates to prevent unauthorised entry, ensuring our system is robust and secure.
The match tickets were collected by private security Cash-In-Transit and delivered to Rufaro Stadium on the day of the match.
The PSL Chief Cashiers, in the presence of the CAPS United FC Club Treasurer verified the tickets by checking and removing the seals. Tickets were subsequently dispatched and cashiers were deployed.
The cashiers were escorted by the Zimbabwe Republic Police and private security personnel who were present at every gate to oversee the ticket tearing process.
To enhance security at the gates, the club also deployed their own monitors.
Additionally, the ZRP conducted thorough searches outside the stadium, while club marshals, chief cashiers, and other PSL and CAPS United FC staff managed the queues and patrolled around all gates.
The gates were closed after halftime, and a detailed reconciliation of cash and tickets was conducted in the presence of PSL Chief Cashiers, CAPS United Club Treasurer and private security.
Following this, all stakeholder payments and the balancing of income and expenditure were carried out transparently.
The Club Treasurer, after overseeing the entire process acknowledged the accuracy of the gate takings, by signing the final report.
Regarding your article’s suggestion about the adoption of an e-ticketing system, we would like to clarify that the PSL is not resistant however, the current state of infrastructure at many of our stadiums, including connectivity and electricity provision, presents significant challenges to implementing an effective e-ticketing system.
Given the gravity of the allegations in your article, we urge you to report the said cartels or any known individuals involved in these activities to the police for further investigation and appropriate action.
The PSL remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and transparency in all our operations.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us uphold these standards by reporting any criminal activities to the appropriate authorities.
Online Reporter