DESPITE the drama that has bedevilled the Nedbank Cup final, the game will not be moved.
On Wednesday, PSL held an urgent press brief following the amount of tickets issued or bought, at the Nedbank’s head office in Durban, resulting in total system shutdown.
Open Tickets, responsible for ticketing, had acknowledged there had been issues with their ticketing system when sales opened on Monday.
The ticketing company, which is also used by FNB Stadium for Soweto derby matches, issued an apology this week.
“An unprecedented surge in demand caused system delays shortly after sales opened on Monday, 5 May 2025,” read a statement.
“We understand the frustration this has caused, and we are urgently working to resolve the matter. A full report will be submitted to the PSL.
”Affected customers will receive direct communication regarding ticket status, digital reissues, or refunds where applicable.”
“We remain committed to resolving the issue and restoring full service as quickly as possible. Further updates will be shared via our official platforms.”
Stadium Management SA- managing director Bertie Grobbelaar, had to be roped in and try and resolve the matter since the final cannot be moved to another venue.
The final between Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs is scheduled for Saturday, May 10 at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Grobbelaar, addressing media on behalf of PSL not SMSA, said that while a crash in the ticketing system meant fans without tickets had also been charged, no extra tickets had been issued. He added that all fans who paid for tickets but did not receive them would be refunded.
“The capacity of the stadium is 49 307 seats. This is a reduced capacity, in terms of a proper grading certificate and compliance with the SASRIA Act,” said Grobbelaar.
“There were 5307 hospitality tickets and 3000 complimentary tickets. 41 000 general access tickets went on sale. The minute ticket sales opened they sold out in 90 minutes.
“This caused a delay, or crash, call it what you want. The fact is tickets went on sale and the system allowed more people to pay for tickets than there was capacity for.
“This immediately raises concerns and a lot of false information went out that too many people had been issued tickets. This was not the case.
“No more tickets were issued than the capacity allows for.”
He confirmed Open Tickets were also used for Soweto derby at FNB Stadium, without any glitches.
PSL CEO, Mato Madlala, said there was no way the game will be moved to FNB Stadium, which usually hosts the derby and has a far larger capacity.
“It doesn’t matter where we take it (the derby). Demand always outlasts supply,” said Madlala.
Fans without tickets are also asked to stay away from the venue on Saturday, as screens will be erected at the beach and other areas.
At the time of publishing Nedbank had not responded for a comment.
Image (Putting out the fire. PSL CEO- Mato Madla and Bertie Grobbelaar, SMSA boss, addressing media on ticketing burning issue ahead of Nedbank Cup finals).
