Balaka fans feel short-changed
This was contrary to a directive by the Minister of Youth Development and Sports Symon Vuwa-Kaunda that the games should be free at district and regional levels, half the normal charge at national level and free at the finals as well.
The people who came thinking they would enter for free were heard grumbling outside the stadium. Some of the fans who were outside the stadium when the game started overwhelmed security, climbed the wall fence and watched the game.
According to stadium manager Pangani Hanke, they realised K66 000 from the gates.
‘Organisers were inconsiderate’
Issa Amini, who cycled from Ulongwe, said the organisers at district level were inconsiderate and unfair by asking people to pay for a game they were supposed to watch for free.
“Why should we pay when it was announced that these games will be free? I have travelled from Ulongwe, [and] I do not have any money. How do they expect me to pay?†Amin queried.
Another fan, Chimwemwe Jonasi, who unwillingly paid to cheer Sport Galaxy FC, had no kind words for the officials who demanded the entry fee.
“I have paid for the love of my team. However, I am not amused. This game was supposed to be free. Who has given them the authority to charge us?†Jonasi wondered.
Balaka Football League (BFL) general secretary Smart Mapeleka defended the move to charge the match as a security measure.
“We did not want people to enter for free as that could create a security risk. We wanted to control the crowd by asking for a small fee and this worked,†said Mapeleka.
Chilobwe won the game 5-2 through Joseph Majawa who snatched a hat-trick. The other goals were scored by Anderson Zimema and Figo Alex.
Sport Galaxy, who displayed a spirited performance despite not being experienced, got their consolation goals through Wisdom Kapito’s brace.
The champions received K100 000 and a trophy whereas Galaxy got K50 000.
Kapito received K10 000 for being the top goalscorer with 13 goals.
