The National African Football Supporters’ Association (NAFSA) has noted with utmost dismay the decision by Orlando Pirates Football Club to sky-rocket the MTN 8 semi-final match ticket prices, for a highly-anticipated second-leg encounter between the two Soweto Giants, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.
In its current price, the MTN 8 semi-final minimum ticket prices would be sold at a shocking R80.00, a 100% increase from an ordinary price of R40.00.
In reaction to this shocking decision by the Club, NAFSA has resolved to write to the Chairman of PSL and Orlando Pirates for capping of the ticket prices.
“We were perturbed to learn about the Club’s decision to sky-rocket the ticket prices by 100% when we are still faced with inconsistency and poor attendance at PSL games.
Orlando Pirates decision lacks appreciation of the fact that the population group that supporting domestic football, falls under Living Standard Measure (LSM) 1-5 and earn not more than R5000.00 a month.
These are football loyalists who attend a minimum of two matches a week and spend up to R500.00 on travelling, food and ticket costs in each game” argued NAFSA’s Secretary-General, Siyabulela Makunga.
“It is our view that the reasons given by the Club are nothing less than a mischievous ploy to rob football loyalists of a privilege to be part of this much-anticipated encounter.
The burden for the escalation of logistical costs cannot only be paid for by football supporters.
Why must it always be the case that every time there is an escalation of costs in organizing a PSL match, football loyalists are the only ones that suffer the most?
This is a sponsored competition and in our view, the burden should rest with the Club and the Sponsor.
Orlando Pirates Football Club is taking football loyalists for a ride” added Makunga.
The Association proposes that the PSL should, going forward, introduce a policy to regulate pricing of tickets.
“We need a regulatory policy framework so as to not only address empty stadia but to ensure that there is uniformity and fairness in ticket pricing.
This mischievous ploy by Pirates further affirms that 86% of South Africa’s football loyalists who voted in favour of representation of football supporters in all football structures, had a genuine cause.
We would like to appeal to Dr. Irvin Khoza to show leadership and act against such cruelty an unsporting business practice” he said.
Meanwhile, NAFSA will soon make an announcement on the official opening of its new Head Quarters which is situated at Renaissance Building at Gandhi Square in Johannesburg.
The Association further wishes Bafana Bafana success in their crucial bid to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup on Saturday against Botswana.
“We would like to wish the boys well and appeal that they remain focus in the mission to collect maximum points.
It is our hope that they will play their hearts out to defend our national pride as there is very little they can do to influence the outcome of another qualifying match between Ethiopia and the Central African Republic” Makunga concluded.
NAFSA is a unitary and representative body whose primary aim is to represent the interests of all football loyalists while ensuring that football loyalists contribute meaningfully in the transformation and development of South African football.
