Mbada Diamonds Corporate Services director, George Manyaya, said there was no need for fans to pay the normal $3, as his company was paying all the expenses for the clubs.
Mbada is paying all costs, including match appearance fees for the players, transport, and accommodation for all the 16 clubs taking part in the competition. The 18 players picked by the coach are paid $100 appearance fees each.
Manyaya said the fan was the most important person in the game and it was important that the fan was kept at the stadium by modest fees. Ironically, clubs in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League charge as much as $5 for the cheapest seat, despite resistance that the fee was too high.
Mbada Diamonds have forked out $1 million as sponsorship for the tournament, with the winners taking home $130 000 and an additional $100 000 for participation in the Caf Confederations Cup.
In the past, the Confederation Cup subsidy was $150,000, but has since been reduced as in the past two years, the clubs have failed to exhaust all the money following their early elimination from the competition.
The big boys Dynamos, Highlanders, and Caps United avoided each other in the draw, with Dynamos facing Tripple B while Highlanders play Triangle. Caps United play Motor Action.
The other fixtures will see Hwange entertain FC Platinum with Shabanie play Chicken Inn. How Mine have a date with Black Rhinos with Buffaloes playing Black Mambas. The matches have been scheduled for this weekend, but the PSL can decide to change the date of the fixtures.
Post published in: Football