Battle of the Cities hit by poor attendance
Ndumiso Gumede
Kusile Madlela in BULAWAYO
HIGHLANDERS’ bid to try and maximise on the Battle of the Cities clash against CAPS United by hiking entry charges backfired on them terribly with just 4 157 fans paying their way into Barbourfields on Sunday.The Bosso management have, however, defended the move arguing that their recent poor run of form had contributed to the low attendance figures.
The increase in entry charges came against a background of a home loss to Chapungu and an uninspiring 1-0 win over league minnows Dongo Sawmill at Vengere in Rusape.
After all expenses had been paid for, the fading giants, who are in dire need of cash injection, banked $9 182 from a gross of $22 975.
Sunday’s charges saw the minimum ticket going for $5, the wing tickets cost $10 while a VIP ticket was going for $15.
The figures are a far outcry from what newboys, Tsholotsho, got when they hosted Highlanders at the same venue in Week Two.
Iziqholo zeZhwane, who are currently using Barbourfields as their home ground, pulled 8 640 fans who paid their way into the stadium, more than double Sunday’s figures.
The showdown between Highlanders and CAPS United was also beamed live on the SuperSport 9 channel.
Bosso chief executive, Ndumiso Gumede, claimed they made more money than their previous match against Chapungu.
“The profits that we received were quite good despite lower attendances compared to last week. We collected more revenue.
“Die-hard soccer fans came through,” said Gumede.
Barbourfields has traditionally been known as an intimidating venue because of the huge support base that Bosso enjoy, especially when the good times are rolling for the Bulawayo giants.
Sadly, that has not been the case recently as Highlanders struggle with their game.
On Sunday a CAPS United player could be heard boasting that Barbourfields was no longer a venue that would scare the opponents as it “was more like their home ground.”
“Everyone wants to be associated with victory and the recent losses do have an effect on the attendance,” said Gumede.
You Might Also Like
-
Tadious Manyepo in MURAMBINDA FOR the Murambinda folk, Independence Day has never been this sweet. Not only is the nation coming down to join them in celebrating Zimbabwe’s 44th birthday at Vahera Stadium, Murambinda B High School. They will also have probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch the country’s biggest two teams, Dynamos and Highlanders […]
Agriculture Journal
Comments