Zimpapers Logo

Descent Dube, Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS FC have hiked charges for their blockbuster tie against Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday with the cheapest ticket (Rest of the Ground) going for $5 up from $3.

Wings will cost $10 up from $5 while the VIP section will go for $15 (up from $10).

In a post on their official twitter account yesterday, Highlanders said: “We come to the most difficult moment. Announcing such gate charges is difficult like announcing death, but they have to be announced anyway. They are as follows: Rest of the Grounds: $5 Wings: $10; VIP $15. It comes once like Christmas, let’s do it!”.

Club chief executive officer Nhlanhla Dube said the increase in gate charges is due to expenses incurred in preparation for such a big fixture.

He said there is a thread in grading gate charges, with the top three clubs drawing a large number of people, but consuming more, financially.

“As a football commodity, their pricing will be different and budgeted differently. Also because of the scale of the match, it is necessarily different because the match values itself differently,” said Dube.

He said the increase in charges was done with consideration to upcoming away games in Mutare and Kariba.

“We project the requirements of travelling expenses, hence making use of this bigger occasion,” Dube said.

Meanwhile, Bosso will embark on #FillUpBF and #NoToHooliganism roadshow on Saturday. The initiative comes after last year’s match was abandoned due to crowd trouble.

Highlanders tweeted: “Join us for our #FillUpBF and #NoToHooliganism road show this Saturday. The show starts at 9AM at Highlanders FC offices along Robert Mugabe Way, between 3rd & 4th Ave. The map will be shared in due course. Football is not war, but a family sport!”

Dube said the road show seeks to conscientise fans that football is a beautiful game.

“The match always comes with emotions, national rivalry and pride so losing to Dynamos is devastating and DeMbare will say the same about us, but at the end of the day the players give their utmost best to get maximum points.

“The initiative is a platform to communicate with our fans that the club benefits nothing from violence and hooliganism. We can win without it; the spirit of Ubuntu must remain. The real Bosso fans will always stand opposed to violence,” said Dube.

He said the initiative is a marketing tool which will also hype fans so that the match lives up to expectation.

“We are in the process of creating a brand and the progress that we have has been visible so we are appealing to our faithful fans to work with the club and show responsibility,” Dube said.

A number of stakeholders will take part in the march, among them Bosso Bulletin Supporters’ Group.

Bosso Bulletin Supporters’ Group spokesperson Mojalifa Mokoele Ndlovu said his organisation will ensure that its members design and carry banners that send a positive message to the football fraternity.

“Usually violence starts from among fans and we are the ones who are able to restrain each other by keeping each other in check,” said Ndlovu.

“The road show will help in ensuring that fans out there who are scared to come and watch the game understand that football is more than rivalry. Let’s come in numbers and watch Amahlolanyama and most of all accept the outcome of the match.” — @DecoDecent2