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Caps to hike gate charges for Mazembe fixture

Sport
ZIMBABWEAN champions Caps United are looking to capitalise on the team’s good showing in the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Champions League first round, first leg in the Democratic Republic of Congo against TP Mazembe, by hiking gate charges for the reverse fixture set for the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

ZIMBABWEAN champions Caps United are looking to capitalise on the team’s good showing in the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Champions League first round, first leg in the Democratic Republic of Congo against TP Mazembe, by hiking gate charges for the reverse fixture set for the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

BY TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA

The Green Machine defied expectations last Sunday to earn an impressive 1-1 draw against the five-time African champions, a result that sent shockwaves across Africa.

The team’s supporters have been revelling in that achievement since the weekend, and it looks like the club want to make the most out of that excitement by increasing the gate charges for the do-or- die clash.

They have hiked the gate charges for rest of ground tickets from $3 in the previous round to $5 while those wishing to watch the match from the VIP stand will have to fork out $20 with the VVIP going for $50.

Club chief executive officer Cuthbert Chitima yesterday said the move had been necessitated by the huge costs associated with competing in Caf competitions.

Chitima said they were already financially drained by the two trips outside the country they had made so far in the campaign including one to Lesotho in the preliminary round.

“We would like to advise the nation and our beloved fans as well as our valued stakeholders that the Caf Champions League tournament is involving substantial amounts of costs which are far beyond the club’s reach and capability.

As a club that is participating in such a financially involving tournament, we humbly request for everyone’s involvement and contribution,” said Chitima in a statement.

“We are appealing for and seeking support from all fans to come in their numbers, rally behind the team and contribute financially by paying entry fees that will be directed towards match expenses. We understand the harsh economic conditions currently prevailing, but you can still donate for a noble cause by buying a ticket and together we can make it.”

Caps United claim they made a loss of about $8 000 from their hosting of Lesotho champions Lioli in the previous round. They say most of the revenue they generated on the day was chewed up by match day expenses including paying match officials as well as security, among other costs.

The club need at least $10 000 for air tickets for match officials and will have to provide accommodation for them as well as paying their allowances, a figure which could rise to $20 000.

They also need to pay stadium rentals, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Sports and Recreation Commission, Zifa and other expenses associated with hosting such a big match.

They can recoup most of the money if they can get past TP Mazembe and qualify for the group stages where they are guaranteed half a million dollars.

Caps United are on course to achieving the feat after they drew 1-1 in the first leg and now need at least a goalless draw to progress.