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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
TWENTY-ONE local and foreign companies have responded to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) tender notice for turnstile management.
The bids were opened last Saturday.
The companies responded to the elite league’s tender number PSL/01/2014, “Provision of stadium/event electronic ticketing and access control services systems,” whose closing date was February 21.
“The bids were opened on Saturday and we shortlisted some who will then be invited to come and make their presentations,” said PSL chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele.
He said their idea was to do away with ticket sales at the stadium.
Said Ndebele: “We are trying to copy how our neighbours South Africa have been doing it and see if their system can fit into our own set-up.”
He could not however reveal the names of shortlisted companies saying that would be a breach of the tender procedures.
The e-ticketing system has been successfully introduced in Kenya while in Tanzania the football federation suspended its use just two weeks after its introduction, citing security threats.
The authorities there claimed controlling fans was a huge challenge thus the need to consult further.
They also claimed most of the fans had difficulty buying the tickets online while the last minute ticket purchases cause long queues on match day.
In Zambia, the football association plans to introduce the system so as to avert ticket fraud in view of the country’s bid to play host to the 2019 African Nations Cup.
There have been concerns over possible fraudulent activities at the gates during PSL matches that have seen clubs losing a lot in potential revenue.
Ndebele said the new e-ticketing system will be introduced gradually as the season progresses with Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo and Rufaro Stadium in Harare as well as Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane the possible first beneficiaries.
derick.khumalo