Former champions Caps United last week announced an increase in ticket prices for entry into Rufaro Stadium to watch their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against Scottland.
The match was played on Sunday in front of a colourful and big crowd. Scottland emerged 2-0 victors, courtesy of goals by Tymon Machope and Sadney Urikhob.
But before that, there were concerns that the hike in ticket prices will result in fans staying away from the match.
This was after the cheapest ticket was increased US$5 from US$3.
Some said there would be supporter apathy and even suggested that Caps United reduce the cheapest ticket charge to US$2 to attract a full house.
But Caps United stuck to their guns and insisted on US$5 for the rest of the ground entry ticket.
VIP tickets were going for as much as US$10 and US$20.
The VIP enclosure was strictly by invitation or Premier Soccer League card holders.
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Considering the occasion, this was a masterstroke by the Caps United management.
Caps United started the season with an away point against GreenFuel having had a very good shopping season where they acquired top players.
Their fans in Harare were eager to watch them for the first time this season.
They were always going to come in their numbers.
Then the Scottland factor, where the club is attracting many fans some of whom are bussed from Mabvuku by club owner Pedzai "Scott" Sakupwanya.
And after Scottland's off-season revolution where they raided the market and grabbed whoever they saw fit, everyone wanted to see what their heavy investment had bought them.
So for many reasons, this clash was always going to be a big occasion and it was more likely to attract a large crowd.
Caps United did the right thing to raise the gate charges because such a football match is premium entertainment and it cannot be for everyone.
Clubs are costly to run, they need a lot of money so that they can pay their players well and on time.
Football is the most popular sport in the country, why should it be the cheapest?
Not all matches will do well at a minimum charge of US$5 hence for some games the cheapest ticket can revert to US$3.
But big occasions like the one on Sunday have to set higher standards.
Fans need to understand that supporting a football club is not mere singing praises at the stadium.
They play a big role in financing their clubs.
That was on show on Sunday with 11 000 fans paying to watch the match.
Caps United recorded brisk business with shirt sales so did the beverage sales with some selling points experiencing a stampede, especially at half time.
Football is a business and Caps United should be applauded for their business approach on Sunday.
