Watching the world’s most beautiful game has become expensive in Zimbabwe as the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League executive have recommended a 100 percent increase to local Premiership matches amid complaints from clubs that the current gate charges are a pittance.
This comes amid a skyrocketing increase in the cost of living with prices of goods and services continuing to gallop away. At the same time, salaries have remained stagnant.
In a letter addressed to the PSL chairman by the PSL CEO Kenny Ndebele, seen by _Zim Morning Post,_ the PSL insist clubs have been raising objection over the current price regime insisting it should go up.
“This serves to advice that we have been receiving numerous requests from clubs to increase gate charges at football matches,” the letter reads, adding: “We recommend increasing gate charges with effect Matchday 11 from 8 to 9 June as follows. Rest of the Ground: RTGS$10, VIP: RTGS$20, VVIP: RTGS$50. We, however, propose that clubs that wish to continue charging the normal gate charge should do so and can review at a later stage.”
Last week Dynamos’ moved to increase the cheapest ticket by 100 percent for their match against Ngezi Platinum on Sunday.
This came after the club had approached the PSL and sought permission to raise gate charges.
The club is struggling despite recently receiving $1 million sponsorship package for their 2019 campaign by Rudland and George, a subsidiary of GOLD Leaf Tobacco.
It remains to be seen if the latest increase in gate charges will not affect attendance. Government has said it will only adjust civil servants’ salaries against the official government inflation levels not the foreign currency rate.