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Ricky Zililo, [email protected]

INCREASE of gate charges for today’s flagship Castle Lager Premier Soccer League game between Highlanders and Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium has divided fans, with some backing the move while others feel the fees are too high.

The cheapest ticket for the country’s biggest game has gone up to US$5 from US$2, with wings’ charges doubled to US$10 while those who want to watch from the VIP will fork out US$15.

The league’s board of governors agreed at the start of the season to have the lowest ticket pegged at US$2 as compared to US$3 that fans paid last year.

However, for “big” games such as the Highlanders-Dynamos, the PSL bosses agreed that the minimum charge for rest of the ground be pegged at US$3, with clubs granted permission to go beyond the figure.

Below are some of the fans’ reactions to hike of gate charges.

Catherine Mkhwananzi: On the issue of hiking gate charges from US$2 to US$5 personally l feel the club made a harsh decision for their faithful supporters who usually come in numbers to rally behind their beloved team.

They were supposed to hike from US$2 to US$3 because l feel like they are just going make money for the stake holders since their gate takings percentage won’t change it will remain the same.

John Ngazimbi: My opinion is that US$5 for the rest of ground is too much at the moment that the team is not offering the best entertaining football.

In our minds we know that indeed it is the top fixture of our land but the value of that charge is not being produced, I don’t even want to go to the accountability of the numbers attending in that particular stadium.

Getrude Mazha Sibanda: As a staunch Bosso supporter I think this is robbing soccer loving fans to watch the most awaited game as I feel the hike is too much to the less privileged.

But on the other hand as Highlanders we need that money to boost our cash strapped coffers so my thinking was maybe if they had met us half way at US$3 it was going to be better since now the gate takings are at US$2.

Meths Khaboski: With the increase of gate charges for the Bosso-Dynamos match it’s very normal but our executive never considered other surrounding factors team performance us as fans and to add salt to injury.

US$5 is madness on their part, US$3 was better. Siyabe sigcwele noma kunjalo and to the fans please no missile throwing lets value our team Sisonke sesikulungisa Bosso tshilamoya lezinsuku itshila abanikazi bayo.

Pastor Nkue: I want to think that US$5 is okay since it’s a big game like Bosso and Dembare, it’s another way to trim a crowd of those who love tshenku more than Bosso

Mkhokheli Sifana: This is one fixture (BF) that has real tension, Dynamos must fall, we are not Caps United or Sheasham.
Nkosilathi Dlomo: I think it is very wrong to increase gate charges for one game as if they will play differently from other games.

Let them stick to the charges that were set for the season instead of taking advantage of the situation. They forget that every match is equally important as this one, Now they are no different from the khombis that will charge you double the fare as soon as it starts raining.

Nqobile Ngulube: The country’s blockbuster tomorrow is expected to be match to remember, we envisage both teams to play entertaining football and end the prevailing dearth of goal.

However the increase on gate takings in my view was a bit on a higher side at least it should have been $3 am alive to the fact that this is a match of high magnitude but all the same the objective is to afford all football loving fans affordable entry.

Trust Jim: This is not fare for the fans. US$5 is too much. I would rather buy three quarts of alcohol and watch on ZTN. At least US$3 is fair. Both teams are not playing good.

Future Charlibe: This money is too much for us fans who travel from outside Bulawayo, $3 is okay.
Lloyd Siyanda Sibanda: In previous matches I paid for three people because it was better, but they will now miss this game which they have increased beyond my reach. At least if it were US$3, US$10 was going to be enough for us.

While at the hindsight Highlanders might be saying they want to control the fans through raising gate charges, I think people who pay that US$5 end up expressing their frustrations through means that get clubs fined.

I pray that match officials will handle the game well and that fans behave.

Mlondolozi Ndlovu: As a Highlanders member, I think it’s a noble idea to increase match fees. The club needs the funds and as such this is an opportunity to raise the money for our biggest match of the season. 5Us is still little they should have made it 10.

Mduduzi Moyo: Truth is that team is not playing the best of football at the moment small teams are dragging it through a series of excruciating draws while the paying crowd patiently waits for a breakthrough.

To say the least the decision to hike gate charges (without consultation for that manner) against such mediocrity on the field of play is downright arrogant! The executive had a meeting over the weekend to
address an embarrassing boob uncharacteristic of a team in the mould of Booso.

A team that respects its stakeholders could have used the opportunity to pick the brains of the membership before unilaterally passing such a decision that impacts more on their followers since entire executive and board get free access to the stadium.

It was not for them alone to make that decision since they serve at the magnanimity of the Bosso constituency. This decision is propelled by individual interests and not the greater good of the constituency.

Thuts Harsh Touch: The battle of the cities is a different game and the price is definitely noble.
It weeds out non- serious supporters who usually end up spoiling the game with unwanted deeds at the ground. Bosso versus Harare Boys always bring top value for our money.