Spectators or Specters? Bosso raise eyebrows over crowd figures Luke looks at possibility of fudging

Part of the crowd that watched the Highlanders-Caps United match at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday

HIGHLANDERS board chairman Luke Mnkandla says there is need for the club and the Premier Soccer League to tighten gate controls at Barbourfields.

Mnkandla said this upon confirmation that 9 936 fans paid to watch Highlanders go down 2-1 to Caps United on Sunday.

Many people including Mnkandla who were at the stadium, contend the stadium had a very good crowd of over 13 000.
“At times optics are deceptive but if that crowd is 9 936 then there are issues with the stadium. What is the proper sitting capacity?

“Judging from previous matches and crowds, I expected that to be over 13 000 people. Could there be discrepancies,one is left asking?” said the Highlanders board chairman.
He said for a club like Highlanders, every cent counts.

Mnkandla said the club and the Premier Soccer League management will have to be more vigilant in manning turnstiles and ensure the club is not fleeced.

“We will have to tighten screws with the Premier Soccer League and ensure that there are no leakages in gate management. We have had similar crowds bigger in number at the reconciliation stage, I expected a far much higher figure than 9 936,” said Mnkandla.

Caps United are enjoying a fine run in the Castle Lager Premiership race where they sit at the top with just nine games played. They look the real deal with Takesure Chiragwi seemingly on the path to have a say in the destination of the title.

A total of US$59 197 was realised, with some paying in rand. The match raised R2 220.
Highlanders’ final share after all deductions was US$27 118,88.

Sunday’s Match Expenses
Match Officials US$1315
ZRP US$1630
Ambulance US$100
Cost of Ticket US$1192,32
Club Finance Officer US$80
Chief Cashier US$320
Cashiers ………………………..US$1080
Compliance Officers US$240
Private Security US$470
Club Chief Security Officer ..US$80
Cash In Transit US$110