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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
NEWLY promoted Tsholotsho Football Club grossed $26,991 in their weekend match against Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium after 8,640 fans paid to watch the match.Iziqholo zeZhwane however netted $11,294,88 after match day expenses that stood at $15,696,12, far more than what the club, the main attraction of the day banked.

The net amount represented 41,85 percent of income with 58,15 percent going to expenses which continue to cripple clubs that spend a fortune preparing for games.

“Football is a game to the players but certainly not to the club because it looks like it’s an offence to have a football match,” said Tsholotsho treasurer Kolema Khuphe.

The highest chunk went to Bulawayo City Council, owners of Barbourfields Stadium who received $5,398.20 while the Premier Soccer League’s portion stood at $1,835.38.

The third highest expense was the Zimbabwe Republic Police, whose 90 officers’ five hour duty cost the home team $1,770.

The police are paid per hour and according to rank from that of constable right up to the senior assistant commissioner.

According to information in possession of this publication, there was one senior assistant commissioner, one assistant commissioner, two chief superintendents, four superintendents, two chief inspectors, five inspectors, seven assistant inspectors, 11 sergeants and 57 constables.

Last year, Highlanders chief executive officer Ndumiso Gumede tried, unsuccessfully, to lobby the police to waiver or reduce their charges.

Also paid out was the six percent Sport and Recreation Commission levy as well as the Zifa share, $1,619.46 each.

Despite receiving levies from its affiliates, Zifa in turn has not been remitting money to the SRC with their arrears to the supreme sports body now standing at $108,381.46.

“What’s clear is that as clubs we must strive to have our own stadia while football fans also need to assist by behaving well before, during and after the match so that in the long run it will be justified to have a few police officers providing security,” said Khuphe.

Tsholotsho Football Club match day expenses against Highlanders:

SRC:                      $1,619.46
Zifa:                        $1,619.46
Stadium Hire:    $5,398.20
PSL:                     $1,835.38
Referees:               $992,12
ZRP:                         $1,770
Ambulance:         $75
Club treasurer:    $80
Cashiers:                 $880
Chief Cashier:      $160
Pvt security:       $503
Total:                    $15,696.12