The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
A TWEET by Castle Lager Premier Soccer League log leaders Caps United early last week has highlighted the dire straits which local football teams find themselves in because of the tough economic hardships prevailing in the country.
Caps United, while they appeared to be mocking their opponents actually brought to the limelight the terrible situation most of the local clubs are in as a result of the economic challenges.
“Dear @HwangeFC. It’s up to you. To stay at home, get walked over on a 3-0, 3 points basis, and pay a fee of $2 500 to @CastleLagerPSL or travel almost 1 000km, spend $16 000 on fuel, food and accommodation and travel another 1 000km empty handed. Be financially wise #KepekepeBhora,’’ read the Caps United post on Twitter.
Caps United face Hwange in a league encounter at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon. With no direct route from Hwange to Harare, Hwange have to pass through Bulawayo before proceeding to the capital city. That means their costs for such a journey are much higher.
Khumbulani Mbano, the Hwange administrator said for a trip like the one they are embarking on this weekend, they need around $20 000. According to Mbano, this amount does not include the 350 litres of fuel needed for the trip. This means they spend over $5 000 on fuel alone.
“It’s in the region of $20 000 minus fuel, which is about 350 litres to Harare,’’ Mbano said.
Hwange’s remaining matches away fixtures will see them travelling to Triangle, Bulawayo twice and Gweru.
Even big teams are not spared by the tough economic climate, with Highlanders having abandoned camping for their home matches. Under the present deal between the PSL and sponsors Delta Beverages, league winners will pocket $100 000, which is a far cry compared to what clubs are putting into fulfilling fixtures. It is yet to be seen if there is any adjustment to the prize money made by the sponsors in light of the biting costs to the clubs.
The present deal between PSL and Delta Beverages expires at the end of this year, with indications being that the two parties will renew their partnership.
@Mdawini_29
