Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THIS could be the most economically painful Harare Derby in recent memory.
Traditionally, a week before the two Harare giants clash, buzz would be electric, Rufaro already expected to sell out. But this time, on the eve of the blockbuster Premiership fixture between Dynamos and CAPS United, DeMbare’s camp is gripped by uncertainty.
The two traditional powerhouses are struggling: Dynamos sit second from bottom with eight points from 11 games, while CAPS United lie two places above with just a point more.
And although Dynamos begin a new chapter under coach Saul Chaminuka, the mood around the Blue Army has soured even further.
Now, an unprecedented crisis looms, a fan boycott that could financially cripple the hosts.
Dynamos’ widely cited “seven million” supporters are being urged to stay away from Rufaro on Sunday in protest against long serving owner Bernard Marriot and his executive led by Moses Maunganidze, whom they accuse of destroying the club’s legacy.
“As the Mother of All Chapters, the first and last line of defence . . . we call on all our members and the blue and white faithful to peacefully boycott ALL Dynamos home matches until further notice,” read part of the statement from the Harare Chapter of the Dynamos Football Club Supporters Association.
Realising the potential economic fallout, the club has taken to social media, pleading with fans to come and back the team.
But as things stand, Marriot may be left to pick up the tab.
Sunday’s gate charges remain pegged at US$3 (Rest of Ground), US$5 (Upper Grand Stand), and US$10 (VIP), with the VVIP section strictly by invitation. A full capacity crowd of 30 000 at Rufaro could generate around US$110 000 in gross revenue.
But hosting such a match is far from cheap. From the gross takings: Stadium hire: 15-20 percent (US$16 500-US$22 000), ZIFA levy: 6 percent (US$6 600), Sports and Recreation Commission levy: 6 percent (US$6 600) and PSL levy, match officials, police (minimum 18 officers), private security, cashiers, ambulance services, all billed to the home club.
In total, Dynamos need at least US$40 000 in gate revenue just to break even. And with boycott threats gaining momentum, that figure is in serious jeopardy.
This fixture was once a financial lifeline. Five seasons ago, Dynamos hiked the cheapest ticket to US$5 and pulled a record crowd of 23 648 fans, grossing US$135 000 and walking away with a net income of US$79 511.
Fast forward to 2024, and attendance was nearly halved, just 12 500 fans, generating US$63 000, from which Dynamos pocketed only US$27 000 after expenses.
This year, with the fan revolt gathering steam, it could get worse.
Although Dynamos have sponsorship support through Nyaradzo’s Scorepack and Sakunda, they still rely heavily on gate revenue to fund operational costs, including camping allowances.
Terrence Malunga, founder of the Zimbabwe Football Forum, says Sunday’s boycott could spell financial disaster for the club.
“Dynamos’ home matches are their financial lifeline. A derby with decent numbers can float the club for weeks,” he said.
“If fans boycott, that revenue stream vanishes. The club could plunge into debt just trying to host a single match.”
He also questioned the strategy behind the protest.
“Protest is important, but a total boycott may not send the intended message. Imagine 20 000 fans at Rufaro holding placards that’s louder, visually and financially,” Malunga added.
Still, he noted Dynamos have been playing to thinning crowds, so the financial shock may not be entirely new.
Marketing expert Simbiso Katsekera believes Dynamos, and many local clubs, have built on a broken financial model.
“Gate revenue is significant, but it should never be the backbone of a club’s survival, not in 2025,” Katsekera said.
“Dynamos have known sponsors like Sakunda and Nyaradzo. They must protect these brands and evolve into a commercially savvy entity.”
He says clubs should pivot toward: merchandise and replica jersey sales, digital content and streaming monetisation, club owned infrastructure rentals, youth player sales and loans, and strong corporate partnerships
“Diversifying income streams and enforcing financial discipline is how to build resilient clubs. Fans won’t always show up, but bills will.”
Dynamos’ potential losses mirror what many smaller clubs face weekly.
“We actually prefer playing away. Hosting is a loss unless you’re a big team,” said a club administrator.
“If you don’t have numbers at the gate, you’re finished. Sometimes we host games at a loss of US$5 000 to US$7 000.”
He called on the SRC, ZIFA and PSL to review their levy structure and match day cost demands.
“Private security and gate staff, it’s all billed to us. The SRC, ZIFA and PSL need to ease that burden.”
While questions swirl around match day expenses and club sustainability, the Premier Soccer League is appealing directly to the fans, urging them to return to the terraces and revive the heart of Zimbabwean football.
PSL spokesperson Kudzai Bare emphasised the importance of fan presence in sustaining the spirit and commercial growth of the local game.
“Football thrives on the passion, energy and presence of supporters in the stands, they are the lifeblood of the game,” Bare said.
“Matches that do not have a vibrant attendance undermine that spirit. It not only affects the atmospheric match day experience in our stadiums but also the efforts being made to grow our Clubs, League, and to attract sponsors.”
She made a rallying call to supporters of both Harare giants, and across the country, to show up for their teams this weekend.
“We therefore urge all football fans to come out in their numbers this weekend and continue backing their teams with pride during the Harare Derby, as well as all other matches around the country, whilst enjoying a sip of the beer behind the fans, Castle Lager.”
This Harare Derby is no longer just about bragging rights. It’s a reflection of Zimbabwean football’s fragile finances, and the cost of poor governance, fan alienation, and outdated club models.
If fans stay away, Marriot might foot the bill. But unless clubs like Dynamos adapt, they’ll keep paying the price long after the final whistle.
