adminEddie Chikamhi
Senior Sports Reporter
THE Harare Derby marked its return to Rufaro after five years with about 12 500 people paying their way through the turnstiles to watch Dynamos and CAPS United on Sunday.
Some analysts feel the figure should have been around 20 000 and there were serious leakages at the gates at Rufaro where cartels target such high-profile matches to make a fortune.
The Derby was a huge test for Zimbabwean football as it competed for attention with the final Sunday of the English Premiership.
Sources yesterday said the match grossed approximately US$63 000, with Makepekepe remaining with about half the amount as their club share, after factoring in levies from ZIFA and SRC and direct match expenses such as referees fees, police, ambulance, stadium hire and ticket costs.
Eventually, CAPS United were left with about US$27 000 after also taking care of indirect match obligations like camping costs, match day allowances, bonuses, medicals and fuel.
CAPS United had raised the entry fee for the cheapest ticket to US$5, as they anticipated a bumper crowd.
The attendance figures, although disputable, are still a positive reminder of domestic football’s potential to reclaim its place in Zimbabwean sports.
The figure was lower compared to last year’s Derby, which attracted 18 500 at the National Sports Stadium.
The return leg was watched by 10 934, with Dynamos playing hosts at the same venue.
The sights and sights at Rufaro on Sunday evoked memories of the good old days at the ceremonial home of Zimbabwean football.
The derby served an exciting dish with supporters from both sides satisfied with the result at the end of the day.
CAPS United salvaged a point in this latest encounter after veteran Ralph Kawondera bundled home a late equaliser.
Makepekepe had trailed their opponents for the better part of the second half, having conceded a 52nd minute penalty that was converted by defender Kelvin Moyo.
Former Dynamos utility man, Godknows Murwira, who is now the CAPS United skipper, was content with the point.
“I just thank the Almighty for the opportunities. Firstly, I played the Derby while playing for Dynamos and now I crossed the divide, I am playing for CAPS United,” said Murwira.
“Both teams want a win because it’s a Derby. The fans are the ones who are giving us this energy to push each and every game. They are coming in numbers, singing from the first whistle until the last.
“You saw it, when we drew. They were cheering us saying keep on pushing guys. That’s why we managed to get a result.”
Online Reporter