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Big Bullets target K25m from CAF game

Big Bullets have hiked by 100 percent gate charges for the 2015 CAF Champions League preliminary round, second-leg game against Fomboni Club de Moheil while targeting a K25 million(US$55 556) gross on February 28.

Won in their first CAF game last week
Won in their first CAF game last week
Therefore, a Kamuzu Stadium open terrace seat will cost K1 000 each (US$2), up from usual K500 (US$1) with MBC Stand selling at K2 500 (US$6) per seat; K5 000 (US$11) and K10 000 (US$22) for Covered and VIP stands respectively, Bullets marketing head Dan Mbebuwa said.
“We think this is actually less as we are talking about an international game. Our aim is to raise K25 million [gross], with K15 million (US$33 333) [net] going to the team and K10 million (US$22 222) for all other expenses,” Mbebuwa explained.
Bullets need K180 million (US$400 000) for the entire CAF campaign. Fomboni Malawian striker Wister Phiri said the first leg played at the Stade de Moroni in the Comoros last Sunday cost an equivalent of K1 200 (US$3) for a seat in open terraces.
“Our expenses include accommodating a 30-member Fomboni delegation that arrives on February 25. To maximise revenue, we have left gate management in FAM’s hands. Additionally, anyone intending to sell merchandise inside the stadium pertaining to Bullets should first buy a licence from us,” Mbebuwa added.
Bullets are returning the favour as they too were accommodated by Fomboni; otherwise, CAF regulations state that except in case of agreement between the two associations, the delegations shall not exceed 25 persons.
“The visiting association shall cover the travel expenses of all its delegation. The host association shall cover the expenses of accommodation, food and local transportation of the visiting delegation in conformity with Article 7,” CAF explains.
Bullets veteran supporter Raphael Nasimba, who has followed the team for over 30 years, yesterday said: “While I understand that football has become expensive, high gate charges mean few people watching the game, but we want Bullets to win at all cost.”
But another diehard Bullets fan from the populous Ndirande Township, who did not want to be named, said there are many of the team’s fans who are prepared to pay a lot more than K1 000 for the love of the team.
The confederation also demands that referees and the match commissioner be accommodated in a high standard hotel rather than the one reserved for the two competing teams.
Bullets will also make money from non-exclusive broadcasting rights which Mbebuwa said were pegged at K1 million for television stations and K500 000 (US$1 111) for radio stations. Matindi Radio has already bought the rights.
FAM club licensing manager Casper Jangale confirmed the hike in gate charges.
Fans are ready to part with K1 000
Fans are ready to part with K1 000
CAF registers teams for international events through their respective football associations, hence FAM’s role.
“Gate management for the game will be outsourced 100 percent and companies and individuals interested are welcome to apply and should address to FAM General Secretary. Congrats to Big Bullets FC for the victory,” said Jangale.
Article 14 of CAF’s rules and regulations adds: “The gross receipt of the matches shall be generated by the sale of entry tickets. The host association shall pay to CAF the following rights and dues: Five percent of the gross receipts of the match at the preliminary round.”
Meanwhile, former FAM general secretary Charles Nyirenda yesterday advised Bullets to plead with Vice-President Saulos Chilima for him to champion Bullets’ fundraising for CAF engagements.

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