DYNAMOS say their move to abandon Rufaro Stadium, their traditional home ground and switch to the National Sports Stadium (NSS) is because of the upsurge of hooliganism which continues to strain their budget. TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
Although Dynamos have cited other reasons like injuries to their players due to the poor maintenance of the artificial turf, the Glamour Boys say violence perpetrated by their overzealous supporters has cost them a fortune, especially last term. Dynamos chairman Keni Mubaiwa said while they took the decision to move from Rufaro Stadium because of the high rates by the Harare City Council which charges them 20% for the venue, hooliganism was the major reason for them to switch to the NSS because it was straining their finances.
“After careful consideration, we decided to move to the National Sports Stadium because hooliganism has been costing us a lot. If you look at last season, we won the league title, but all the prize money went to the Premier Leage Soccer (PSL) to pay for various fines as a result of violence perpetrated by our supporters. We have tried to engage them not to be violent, but it continues to affect the club financially because there is always violence whenever we play at Rufaro,” Mubaiwa said.
“So we have taken a decision to play our home matches at the National Sports Stadium. The government will also be charging us 15% for the use of the stadium. That means a difference of 5%, which is a lot to us.”
The Harare giants have also condemned the artificial turf at Rufaro Stadium, arguing it has become unplayable and causing a lot of injuries to their players.
Dynamos coach Kalisto Pasuwa has raised his concern over the injuries to the club’s executive. Last season, Dynamos lost their $70 000 prize money for winning the Castle Lager PSL title after the PSL demanded a total of $78 700 in fines for offences ranging from pitch invasions to missile throwing.
The Glamour Boys lifted the Castle Lager PSL title for the third successive year after beating Highlanders and Harare City to the finishing line on goal difference in one of the most intriguing conclusions in the history of the domestic league.
For winning the ultimate prize of domestic football, Dynamos were set to pocket $70 000 in prize money from Delta Beverages who sponsor the league through their Castle Lager brand.
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But the champions paid the heavy penalty for the rowdy behaviour of their fans which left them with a deficit of $8 700.
