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Lovemore  Dube Sports Editor
HIGHLANDERS FC recorded their highest attendance of the season and in the process grossed more than $45 000 from gate takings for their match against Caps United at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday. A total of 8 258 people paid through the turnstiles and the match grossed $45 995 with the club taking to its Robert Mugabe Way offices a sum of $14 617 after all other expenses had been paid.

Treasurer Jerry Sibanda described the earned revenue as satisfactory and called on supporters to continue coming in their numbers.

“That was a fair crowd. Obviously we would have wanted more to come but we appreciate the supporters’ efforts to come to matches,” said the former club striker and manager.

He said the money raised was almost treble  what they have been earning in most of their matches.

The grand stand was almost full but surprisingly only 132 people paid the $15 entry fees meaning that the rest gained free entry through Gate 4.
Revenue from the wings amounted to $6 770.

The rest of the ground whose charge was $5, contributed $37 245.

The Bulawayo City Council who are the owners of the stadium were paid $9 199 for the facility.

Zimbabwe’s sport regulating body the Sport and Recreation Commission pocketed $2 759,70 like Zifa.

Cashiers received $1 380 with chief cashiers getting $500 each for their day’s work.

The tickets cost $990.

Private security company was paid $1 500 while ZRP officers received $1 764. The Premier Soccer League received $1 993,35
The total expenses amounted to $29 383, a figure too high given the fact that Highlanders is a community team that relies on gate takings.

For football clubs without 100 percent sponsorship like Bosso, Caps and Dynamos, the future looks bleak as the turnstiles are not providing enough to ensure their survival.

“Ours is an every day appeal to our members to support the Bosso cause.

“At Manwele Garden we had Martin Sibanda and Ndolwane Super Sounds performing there and we are happy with the people who came and also those who were at the clubhouse.

“Increased patronage will go a long way in helping the club while we explore other avenues,” said Sibanda.