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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
FLEXIBILITY and allowing full access to its facility to maximise on touchline advertising and give sponsors maximum mileage informed the Premier Soccer League (PSL)’s decision to stage all Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final games at Baobab Stadium in Mhondoro Ngezi next weekend.

In the past, clubs have failed to reap rewards from stadium advertising, especially those run by the local authorities which have already entered into deals with advertising agencies that do not accommodate teams.

The four quarter-finals are set for Saturday and Sunday, with two games being played each day.

Expectations had been that the teams which finished at the top of their group would play the quarter-finals at their home grounds.

This was interpreted to mean that Group A winners Dynamos would play against Black Rhinos at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, while Cranborne Bullets take on Harare City at Sakubva Stadium in Mutare.

Chicken Inn had been looking forward to playing host to Ngezi Platinum Stars at Barbourfields Stadium after winning Group B, while FC Platinum, who topped Group D were set to host Highlanders at Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane.

Kudzai Bare

However, the PSL, in consultation with their sponsors and broadcasting rights holders, decided that matches be played at a “central” venue.

Now, Ngezi Platinum Stars will be “away” to Chicken Inn in the opening match to be played at 11am at their home turf on Saturday before FC Platinum entertain Highlanders in the afternoon.

Cranborne Bullets will play Harare City in a Sunday morning match, with Dynamos and Rhinos completing the quarter-finals’ fixtures in the afternoon match.

“The Premier Soccer League after wide consultations with their partners, decided to have the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals at one venue. The league and partners took into consideration the flexibility of the facility, which doesn’t have any restrictions in terms of having full control of the stadium, including putting on advertising material.

“Also, because of the broadcasting partnership with ZTN (Zimpapers Television Network), it was seen as the best decision to have the games at Baobab Stadium, as they are required to cover all the matches,” said Kudzai Bare, PSL spokesperson.

Meanwhile, the PSL is working on concluding a pre-ticketing system to control the number of people that will watch the games at Baobab.

The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) approved a maximum of 2 000 fully vaccinated fans to watch matches inside a stadium starting with the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals.

Bare said fans will be notified about the ticket prices and selling points either today or tomorrow. —  @ZililoR