BB expect to gross K25m from Fomboni match

Big Bullets have said they anticipate to gross about K25 million (US$55 556) from last Saturday’s CAF Champions League preliminary round second-leg tie against Fomboni FC that was played before a packed Kamuzu Stadium.

The ailing stadium was packed to capacity, such that the fans resorted to invading the restricted areas to catch a glimpse of the continental club battle that returned on the local scene after 11 years. Some, who could not manage to buy tickets, were forced to return home.

Bullets general secretary Harold Fote said as of yesterday, the reconciliation of the ticket sales was still going on.

“We entrusted agents for the pre-sale exercise, but 22 000 tickets [as per current stadium capacity] were on sale and from what I gather, they sold out and if you multiply that by the minimum of K1 000 cheapest ticket, it gives you K22 million

“After establishing that tickets had been sold out and there were still many people outside, we decided to sell additional tickets and I gather about K2.8 million was realised. So, we expect something like K25 million, excluding proceeds from the broadcasting rights,” said Fote.

Asked if selling of more tickets was not compromising security, Fote said: “We had to take such a risk because we felt it was a better option as those that were outside were beginning to lose their patience and it could have led to chaos.”

However, Kamuzu Stadium supervisor Charles Mhango described Bullets’ decision to sell additional tickets as a big risk.

“Looking at the security personnel that was there, the decision was not proper because that led to some fans invading the cordoned-off areas, which was a hazard.

“That is why, initially, we suggested engaging more police officers, but our friends were adamant that we hire 150 police officers and in such circumstances, it was difficult for the police to remove them as they feared causing a commotion,” said Mhango.