Tickets for the highly anticipated Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium have sold out.
Image: BackpagePix
The major stakeholders of the Soweto derby — hosts Kaizer Chiefs, Stadium Management SA (SMSA), SAPS, and JMPD — spoke with one voice during a pre-match press conference on Thursday, urging supporters to arrive early for the game.
Dubbed the biggest spectacle on the local sporting calendar, all roads will lead to the clash between arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at the sold-out 90,000-seater FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon (3:30pm). The game is intriguing not only for bragging rights but also for the three invaluable points at stake that could shape their respective Betway Premiership title aspirations.
SMSA, led by chief executive Bertie Grobbelaar, will host fans from across the country against a backdrop of teething problems with their new digital ticketing system, MyTicket. In Chiefs’ previous home games against Golden Arrows and Stellenbosch, SMSA experienced major challenges at the turnstiles as some fans struggled to scan tickets. This resulted in some supporters forcing their way into the venue.
While unfamiliarity with the system and a lack of personnel contributed to the glitches, the largest factor was the late arrival of supporters. Grobbelaar revealed that fans who arrived during the "Golden Hour" gave positive feedback, while those who arrived within 30 minutes of kick-off had negative experiences.
SMSA, having deployed Fan Services personnel to assist with scanning, is determined to avoid a repeat of the last derby, where an unauthorised 20,000 people gained access to the precinct.
“There’s no way to beat around the bush about it. We need to tackle it head-on. Late arrival is a huge safety risk,” Grobbelaar said. “In a derby last year, we had more than 20,000 extra supporters at the game. We cannot allow that. That’s why I am asking people to stick with us regarding the new ticketing system.”
Kaizer Chiefs, through their sponsors — including Carling Black Label, Vodacom, SuperSportBet, and Kappa — are pulling out all the stops to ensure entertainment and giveaways for early arrivals.
“Our partner Carling is offering a chance for a lucky fan to win a ticket to attend the derby,” said Chiefs’ marketing and commercial director, Jessica Motaung. “Carling Black Label has also ensured that Boohle will be providing entertainment through her music.”
SAPS echoed the message, adding that they will not hesitate to enforce law and order. “We won’t tolerate overcrowding or the selling of fake or illegal tickets,” said General PF Kekana. “We also urge people to travel to the stadium in groups, as parking is limited.”
JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla advised supporters to use the park-and-ride system, as several routes will be closed to improve traffic flow.