Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
THE Premier Soccer League (PSL) has increased gate charges for matches in the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season following an emergency committee meeting held on Thursday.
In a statement, the PSL’s Communicationa and Media Liason Officer, Kudzai Bare said the decision was reached after deliberations on the rising costs associated with hosting matchday fixtures.
“The Premier Soccer League would like to advise all stakeholders that following an emergency committee meeting held on March 5, 2026, a resolution was made to review the minimum gate charges of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season,” said Bare
Under the revised structure, the minimum entry fee for the rest of the ground has been set at US$5, while the grandstand sections and VIP will cost US$15. Access to the VVIP sections has been pegged at US$25.
The league said the adjustments were necessary to help clubs cope with increasing operational expenses tied to staging matches.
“This increase has been necessitated by rising costs of matchday-related services, statutory levies and tax obligations that clubs are required to meet in the staging of PSL matches,” Bare said.
Despite the upward review, the PSL emphasised that it remains mindful of the need to keep football accessible to supporters.
“The PSL remains committed to striking a balance between ensuring that clubs are able to meet the operational costs associated with hosting matches while maintaining reasonable access for fans who remain a vital part of the game,” Bare said.
$5 is steep for the ordinary football fan. Remember most fans don’t stay within walking distance of stadiums. So one must budget at least $15 a weekend to cover transport, entry fees and an ice cream. How many fans can afford that? And besides, there are teams that are already suffering from poor attendance at their matches. Increasing gate charges will just put them in a worse situation. What must happen is to scrap the payments to ZIFA and councils. Clubs should never be run on gate takings. Gate takings must be given to players as bonuses or some incentives.