Fans planning to attend future Soweto derby matches will need to adjust to a major change, as tickets are now available exclusively online.
Tickets Sell Out Within 24 Hours
Supporters were left disappointed after tickets for the April 26 clash between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs sold out within just 24 hours.
The frustration was compounded by the absence of physical ticket sales, leaving many unable to secure entry.
Why the Online-Only Ticket System Was Introduced
According to Stadium Management South Africa CEO Bertie Grobbelaar, the shift to digital ticketing was a deliberate move aimed at improving safety and eliminating fraud.
“All the tickets were sold online. There were no physical tickets,” he said.
“This was a decision of the clubs after our advice.”
Fake Tickets a Major Problem
Grobbelaar highlighted counterfeit tickets as a key issue in previous matches.
“Physical tickets are the root cause of fraud,” he explained.
“If ticket paper is stolen, it’s easy to print fake tickets.”
Overcrowding at FNB Stadium Raises Alarm
Concerns over overcrowding also played a significant role in the decision. Past Soweto derbies saw dangerously high attendance numbers at FNB Stadium.
- One derby recorded 116,000 attendees
- Another saw 101,000 fans inside the stadium
These figures exceeded safe capacity limits, raising serious safety concerns.
How the New Ticket System Works
The new system uses the My Tickets app, allowing fans to purchase and store tickets digitally.
This approach is designed to:
- Prevent ticket duplication and fraud
- Control stadium capacity
- Improve crowd management and safety
What It Means for Soweto Derby Fans
The Soweto derby remains one of the biggest fixtures in South African football, drawing massive interest every season.
With the shift to a fully digital system, fans will need to adapt quickly to secure their place at future matches — or risk missing out entirely.