adminSikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
CASTLE Lager Premier Soccer League new comers Bulawayo City face an uncertain future in the topflight following reports that the team’s budget might not see them through the season. According to the latest Bulawayo City Council minutes, Bulawayo City has a total bill of about $369,000 budgeted for in terms of salaries and allowance, but the team needs a further $368,000 before considering travelling allowances, signing on fees, accommodation for players during away games and winning bonuses.
“These on their own would require a sum of more than $300,000, which would be the deficit if the team did not get any outside sponsorship,” read the council minutes.
“The Achilles heel for any football team is funding and it was the board that set allowances for the team. In the event the team fails to attract sponsors or get good crowds at its matches, it might not see the season through.”
A suggestion for a grant-in-aid to the club by council has been proffered by the municipal financial director. During discussions, councillor Rodney Jele raised concerns that Bulawayo City pays for use of council grounds. He suggested that the team be exempt from paying for the use of the council grounds and that the junior team uses Greenspan grounds for training.
Councillor Charles Moyo said council should find a sponsor given that the team is doing well. “There is a need to assist in cash or kind for the team to perform well. Residents appreciated that soccer is a social responsibility,” said Clr Moyo.
Councillor Ephraim Ncube, however, said permitting the team free use of council grounds would set an undesirable precedent and proposed that charges be reduced instead.
In response, city director of Housing and Community Services Isaiah Magagula said grounds accommodated other teams as well hence the junior team had to use an alternative ground for training. With regards to waiver on charges, Magagula said this would create an undesirable precedent.
“Gate takings were shared and revenue derived from this was used for maintenance of the grounds,” said Magagula.
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