Rollers defend steep ticket pricing
Kabelo Boranabi | Thursday February 19, 2015 09:31
Township Rollers Holdings managing director, Jagdish Shah said hosting the South African side would cost more than P750,000 hence the need to recover costs.
The cheapest ticket sells for P75 while the grand stand seats would cost P500.
Tickets for the Panda stand would cost P100 while the covered stands would cost P200.
Some fans took to social media to express their displeasure at the ticket pricing. But Shah told a media briefing in Gaborone yesterday that the pricing was justified. He said if 60 percent of the tickets were sold, then the club would have a return of close to P500,000.
He said the club realised that it could cover costs if ticket prices were revised upwards.
The Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) gave the club P200,000 for participating in the CAF competition and provided the National Stadium free of charge.
“We have engaged the (Botswana) Premier League to negotiate on our behalf for the broadcasting rights of this fixture, since they are more capable than us in dealing with issues of this matter.
“We intend to give a local broadcaster first priority before looking at offers from outside the country,” Shah said.
Other financial contributors include Mahube transport, which chipped in with P17,000, and provided Rollers supporters in Francistown with a free one way ticket for the game.
Cresta Hotel will accommodate both the match officials.
Kaizer Chiefs are expected to arrive in the country by air on the eve of the match. The game is on Saturday, February 28 at the National Stadium.
The South Africans will bring 20 players and 10 other members including the technical team.
Kaizer Chiefs go into the second leg with a narrow 2-1 lead after goals from Matthew Rusike and Tefu Mashamaite. Segolame Boy scored what could be a critical away goal. This means Rollers need a win to progress.