The game between MWOS and Scottland at Ngoni Stadium on May 31 attracted a full house of 6 500 people and could have drawn more had it not been for the limited stadium capacity.
Presale tickets sold out within hours of release, and Norton locals estimate that close to — or even more than — 3 000 people watched the game from outside on stadium television screens that were provided.
Many others revealed that they could not travel to Norton for the game because they failed to secure tickets, as only 6 500 had been placed on the market.
What is clearly evident from these statistics is that the game could have brought together around 10 000 fans or more had Ngoni Stadium had the capacity to accommodate a larger crowd.
Some even suggested earlier that the match be moved to Rufaro Stadium to allow for more spectators. However, MWOS officials felt that would be unfair to their loyal Norton fans who have supported the team through and through.
The MWOS and Scottland match is just one example of how soccer fans still love their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League football — as long as there is something good on offer.
This was further demonstrated in the Battle for Zimbabwe between Dynamos and Highlanders, which drew more than 15 000 people despite calls by some Dynamos supporters to boycott their team’s home matches.
It might not have been the usual massive crowd we associate with these two giants, but 15 000 is still a significant figure — especially when considering the turmoil at Dynamos and the deteriorating playing standards of both Bosso and Dembare.
- Pushy MWOS FC beefs up bench
- Scottland unveil new kit ahead of promotion battle
- Soccer fans cry foul as teams hike gate charges
- NRSL moves to stem violence
Keep Reading
What is heartening is that more and more people are returning to stadiums to watch Simba Bhora at Wadzanai, ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga, TelOne at Ascot, Scottland at Rufaro, FC Platinum at Mandava, and MWOS at Ngoni. Highlanders, as always, remain the Premiership's biggest crowd-pullers at Barbourfields Stadium.
We’re not entirely sure what has triggered this sudden interest in the Zimbabwean game, but what we do know is that the increased attendance is helping clubs lower their operational costs through gate takings.
We hope that the growing interest in clubs like Simba Bhora, Scottland, MWOS, ZPC Kariba, TelOne, FC Platinum, and Highlanders will spread to other teams in the PSL so they too can benefit financially from increased gate receipts.
For a long time, we’ve been lamenting the empty stadiums. Now that the fans are coming back, we must keep the fire burning and strive to revive the good old days — when even so-called small matches could attract crowds of 10 000 or more.
Let us also not forget the games that used to pull in more than 25 000 spectators whenever the traditional giants clashed — and those that saw over 30 000 fans flood into the stadium when Caps United, Dynamos, and Highlanders were involved.
Surely, the competition is becoming more interesting and exciting by the day, and standards are beginning to improve. We appeal to our referees to be as fair as possible so that the best teams win — and more and more fans continue flocking to the stadiums.
The Premier Soccer League should also ensure that clubs do not arbitrarily raise gate charges, as this discourages fans and pushes them toward bars to watch the English Premier League instead.
The crowds are slowly returning to Zimbabwean stadiums. We hope this trend continues throughout the season — and for many years to come.
- For your comments, views, and suggestions [email protected] or WhatsApp on 071 0774 596 or call 0773 266 779.
