BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) on Friday slashed gate charges for league and cup matches to US$3 from US$10 beginning this weekend following an outcry by football fans.
In a statement, PSL communications and media liaison officer Kudzai Bare said the league had engaged football stakeholders concerning the charges and the decision was reached based on the number of complaints.
“The Premier Soccer League has engaged various stakeholders including club supporters associations concerning gate charges for PSL matches,” Bare said.
“Taking into account the above, the PSL has reviewed gate charges for all PSL matches effective from the Chibuku Super Cup Semi-finals to be played this weekend as follows: Rest of Ground: US$3 Grand Stands: US$5 VIP: US$10.”
“The gate charges will be reviewed in 2022.
“We would like to remind all football fans to comply with Covid-19 protocols and directives before, during and after football matches.”
She said the PSL had not been spared by the Covid-19 pandemic which disturbed preparation costs of the pre-season.
“While the PSL notes that clubs suffered huge financial losses during the Covid-19 pandemic and continue to incur a lot of costs in preparation for matches, we also understand the need to make our matches appealing and affordable to football fans who are the heartbeat of the game,” Bare said.
She said fans attending the PSL matches must produce positive identification and a valid Covid-19 vaccination certificate.
Domestic football returned last month following a break of several weeks due to the Covid-19 pandemic.