HARARE -- The Zimbabwe and Brazil game grossed around US$600 000 after more than 50 000 fans paid to watch the match last Wednesday. According to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), the organisers of the match, some funds were still to be collected from companies that bought tickets for their staff and occupied the VVIP and VIP stands.
The organisers also said they lost a significant amount of money through complimentary tickets issued to several embassies and some companies but ended up being sold on the black market.
Radio VOP observed the genuine VVIP tickets, which were pegged at US$60, but were being sold outside the National Stadium for US$40 on the black market.
It has also emerged that the Samba Boys were paid US$2,5 million to play in the high profile match. Government met 45 percent of the cost while companies such as NetOne, Zimplats and CBZ Bank came up with the remainder.
However the companies did not get the mileage after the Brazil national team took up all the touchline advertising. The match was broadcast live on pay television station Supersport.
The hard pressed Zimbabweans however forgot all their problems on Wednesday, at least for 90 minutes, as they cheered the Brazils Samba Boys. Top Brazil player Kaka threw his jersey to a lucky fan after the match. Zimbabwe captain Benjani Mwaruwari, Quincy Antipas and Tinashe Nengomasha also followed suit.
Vendors also recorded brisk business at the National Sports Stadium, which started filling in the morning. Meanwhile Brazil will take on Tanzania in their international friendly in Dar es Salaam tomorrow.
Tanzania Football Federation is reportedly charging record entrance fees ranging from US$25 to US$180 for the game.
Tanzania media reports said the east African country paid up to $2.5 million as match fees to the Brazilians.