Date Of Article: 3/28/2002
To Print This Story Goto File > Print
<<Back
Fans, clubs tackle gate collections
By: Garry Chirwa
Total Big Bullets supporters launched a sickening verbal tirade against their executive at the weekend for sidelining them in the new gate collection system. The Bullets and their old age rivals MTL Wanderers recently resolved that their respective supporters must not be involved in gate collections as one way of improving the system. During their weekend games against Dwasco and Admarc Tigers at Chichiri Stadium, the Bullets hired Securicor cashiers, a move which irked a section of the team’s followers. The fans verbally assaulted their vice treasurer Kondi Msungama at the VIP Stand on Sunday, demanding a reversal of the executive’s decision. “Tikudyerani chani? (What do you think we are going to eat?) You have forgotten that you hold that position because of us. We are not happy with what you have done and you should take that message to your colleagues,” shouted one influential fan at the unmoved Msungama. Several others were prevented from assaulting him further by Bullets’ vice team manager Felix Kamanga, who pleaded with them to follow a proper channel in airing their views. This was clear testimony that most of the two influential clubs’ supporters are bent on making a quick buck from the gates at the expense of the players. Following the incident, the Bullets executive summoned their supporters’ executive on Monday night, to explain why the team had taken the decision. The team’s general secretary Krishna Achuthan confirmed having held the meeting which he described as fruitful. “We explained to them in great detail why we took that route, we told them that the club is struggling financially and they were very sympathetic and understanding. “They also revealed some of the loopholes that were there when supporters were manning the gates and disclosed names of people that were involved in ticket scams,” Achuthan said. The Bullets spokesman also said the new system proved very successful because there was an efficient control of gate takings and proper hand over. He also said the club will be hiring Securicor cashiers only in major games but they are yet to come up with a format for minor games. MTL Wanderers chair Humphrey Mvula said their supporters committee was also summoned to a meeting where they were told about the new development.
<<Back
© 2001-2002 Nation Publications Limited, All Rights Reserved