NAFSA hits out at Pirates National African Football Supporters’ Association (NAFSA) have hit out at Orlando Pirates over their decision to increase ticket prices for the second MTN8 semi-final against Kaizer Chiefs later this month. The Buccaneers have pushed prices up to R80 for the match on Heritage Day and, when quizzed by KickOff for the reason behind it, the club said it was for extra security as the planned to let people sit where they want. READ: Pirates defend ticket prices However, NAFSA have sent out a strong press release condemning the price-hike, and say the League should put an overall cap on ticket prices. “We were perturbed to learn about the club’s decision to sky-rocket the ticket prices by 100 per cent when we are still faced with inconsistency and poor attendance at PSL games,” Secretary-General Siyabulela Makunga says. “Orlando Pirates’ decision lacks appreciation of the fact that the population group that supporting domestic football falls under Living Standard Measure (LSM) 1-5 and earn not more than R5000 a month. These are football loyalists who attend a minimum of two matches a week and spend up to R500 on travelling, food and ticket costs in each game. “It is our view that the reasons given by the club are nothing less than a mischievous ploy to rob football loyalists of a privilege to be part of this much-anticipated encounter. The burden for the escalation of logistical costs cannot only be paid for by football supporters. “Why must it always be the case that every time there is an escalation of costs in organising a PSL match, football loyalists are the only ones that suffer the most? This is a sponsored competition and in our view, the burden should rest with the Club and the Sponsor. Orlando Pirates Football Club is taking football loyalists for a ride.” Makunga adds: “We need a regulatory policy framework so as to not only address empty stadia, but to ensure that there is uniformity and fairness in ticket pricing. This mischievous ploy by Pirates further affirms that 86 per cent of South Africa’s football loyalists who voted in favour of representation of football supporters in all football structures, had a genuine cause. “We would like to appeal to Dr Irvin Khoza to show leadership and act against such cruelty an unsporting business practice.”
Posted on: Thu, 05 Sep 2013 13:28:44 +0000