WITH tickets sold out for the hugely awaited Soweto derby, ticketing issue still remains a headache.
Two Soweto giants- Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates meet on Saturday 18 at FNB Stadium.
But concerns still linger on digital ticketing system implemented by Stadium Management SA (SMSA) to deal with fraudulent and fake tickets.
The dry-run was activated during Chiefs game against Golden Arrows recently, but fans were not happy with the delay.
Scanners at both the first scanning point and at the turnstiles refused or delayed accepting valid tickets, leading to long queues and congestion.
SMSA CEO Bertie Grobbelaar, during media brief on Monday, pointed out they’ve enlisted the services of Fan Service, an independent company, to physically scan tickets.
But fans are still worried and fear this could lead to another stampede, which is not needed.
“I am excited at how the world is changing and moving into a digital direction, and, we as a stadium and a club are moving with the trends. We want to make sure that people arrive with their phones, but most importantly, that the fans are in the queues on time so they can scan their tickets,” said Chiefs, Marketing Director -Jessica Motaung.
Chiefs are the host.
On digital ticketing Motaung said, to help mitigate the hiccups the new system operated by SMSA’s in-house entity, MyTicket, has been piloted in January.
She also made a passionate plea to fans to come early to avoid shoving and pushing, especially with kids around.
“It’s important that we, as event holders, run the events properly, do all the things to make sure the experience is exciting, but the big thing here today is to say, can supporters come early? Supporters come on time; we’ve made sure through our sponsors and other partners that there’s an absolutely bumper event happening for them,” she pointed out.
The game kicks-off at 15:30
Some of the roads that lead to FNB Stadium and other areas within the vicinity will be closed, according to JMPD.
TICKETS GIVE-AWAY!
In partnership with BETWAY, we’re giving away FOUR TICKETS for Soweto Derby.
To win send your name and contact to: info@sowetolifemag.co.za or sydney@sowetolifemag.co.za, on or before 13:30 on Friday 27, 2026.
Winners will be contacted to collect tickets.
Ts & Cs do apply.
Image (SMSA CEO Bertie Grobbelaar, during media brief on Monday, recorded alongside Chiefs Marketing Director- Jessica Motaung, responding to concerns on troubled digital ticketing system).
