By Sello Masilo
Premier Soccer League (PSL) CEO Mato Madlala has declared that “there is no venue big enough” for the Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs fixture, a statement that has sparked debate as a system crash at Open Tickets led to overbooking for the 2025 Nedbank Cup final. The glitch, which occurred on 5 May, threw preparations for Saturday’s highly anticipated showdown at Moses Mabhida Stadium into chaos, with ticket sales exceeding the venue’s 49,307-seat capacity.
Thousands of fans faced failed transactions, delayed confirmations, and frustration, while refunds and ticketing woes continue to dominate headlines ahead of the clash between South Africa’s football giants.Venue Size Dilemma: A Derby Too Big for South Africa?The Soweto Derby, pitting Orlando Pirates against Kaizer Chiefs, is a fixture that transcends sport in South Africa.
PSL CEO Mato Madlala’s bold claim—“there’s no venue big enough for this country for the derby”
—highlights the unprecedented demand for this rivalry. Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, set to host the final on 10 May 2025, has a capacity of 56,000, but safety and logistical adjustments have reduced available seats to 49,307. This is a sharp contrast to Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium, the country’s largest venue at 94,736 seats, which has historically hosted derbies.So why not use FNB Stadium? The answer lies in scheduling conflicts. A massive music event, Ultra SA, is slated for 9-10 May 2025 at the Nasrec Expo Centre, right next to FNB Stadium.
The overlap has forced the PSL to shift the final to Durban, a decision that has left some fans questioning whether Moses Mabhida can handle the derby’s scale. Past derbies at FNB have seen turnaways despite its vast size, and Madlala’s comment suggests that even that iconic venue struggles to meet demand.The choice of Moses Mabhida has its merits. Built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the stadium boasts modern facilities and a picturesque setting. Yet, its smaller capacity has reignited calls for a purpose-built football stadium capable of accommodating the Soweto Derby’s fervent following.
For now, fans must make do with Durban’s offering, but the venue debate is far from over.Ticketing Chaos: System Crash and Its FalloutThe excitement for the Nedbank Cup final turned sour on 5 May 2025, when Open Tickets, the PSL’s official ticketing partner, buckled under a flood of demand. The system failure led to overbooking, with ticket sales surpassing Moses Mabhida’s 49,307-seat limit. Fans reported a litany of issues: payments processed without ticket confirmations, multiple charges for single transactions, and hours-long delays.
By the time the dust settled, all 41,000 general access tickets had sold out in a record 90 minutes, leaving many empty-handed.Open Tickets quickly admitted the error. “Due to a glitch, the system allowed more people to make payments than there is capacity for,” said Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA) CEO Bertie Grobbelaar. The company scrambled to fix the mess, issuing refunds to roughly 80% of affected online buyers by 6 May. However, some fans reported lingering problems, with complaints of missing tickets and unprocessed refunds persisting days later.
The chaos didn’t stop there. Desperate supporters turned to Computicket, only to face further disappointment. Scammers exploited the situation, selling fake tickets, while Computicket itself halted sales abruptly, leaving fans confused and out of pocket. The PSL has since warned against buying from unofficial sources, stating that only Open Tickets purchases will be honoured at the gate.For those who secured tickets, the ordeal has dampened the mood. One supporter vented online: “I paid, but I’ve got no ticket. This is a disaster!” Another added, “Refunds are taking forever—how hard can it be?” Open Tickets insists all issues are resolved, but the damage to fan trust is clear.
The Soweto Derby: A Rivalry That Defines a Nation
The Soweto Derby isn’t just a game—it’s a cultural cornerstone. Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs have been at loggerheads since 1970, when Chiefs was founded by ex-Pirates star Kaizer Motaung. Over decades, the rivalry has grown into a national obsession, with sold-out stadiums and electric atmospheres the norm. Pirates have 10 league titles to their name, while Chiefs lead with 13, but cup finals between the two are rare and fiercely contested.
This year’s Nedbank Cup final carries extra weight. Pirates are chasing a historic third straight title, a feat no club has achieved in the competition’s history. Chiefs, meanwhile, are desperate to end a decade-long trophy drought, their last silverware coming in 2015. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the sold-out tickets in 90 minutes reflect the feverish anticipation.Historically, Moses Mabhida has been a mixed bag for both teams.
Chiefs won the Nedbank Cup there in 2013, beating SuperSport United 1-0, but suffered a humiliating 1-0 loss to TS Galaxy in 2019. Pirates have a stronger record, lifting four MTN8 titles at the venue. Saturday’s clash will add another chapter to this storied rivalry, with fans praying the ticketing saga doesn’t overshadow the action on the pitch.Fan Frustration: Voices from the Stands
The ticketing debacle has sparked an outcry. Social media is awash with tales of woe, from fans double-charged for non-existent tickets to others scammed by fake sellers. “I’ve been waiting three days for my refund,” one supporter posted. “This is embarrassing for the PSL.” Another fumed, “They knew the demand—why wasn’t the system ready?”
The PSL and Open Tickets have apologised, promising to honour valid tickets and refund overpayments. To curb black-market sales, they’ve capped purchases at four tickets per person and bolstered security checks at the stadium. Hospitality packages, also hit by the glitch, have been reissued to early buyers, but the broader fanbase remains wary.For many, the chaos reflects deeper issues. The PSL’s shift to Open Tickets was meant to streamline sales after past problems with fake tickets and overcrowding. Instead, the crash has exposed vulnerabilities, leaving fans to wonder if the league can handle its biggest fixtures.
Moses Mabhida: A World-Class Venue Under Pressure
Moses Mabhida Stadium is no stranger to big games. Its sleek design and 2010 World Cup pedigree make it a fitting stage for the Nedbank Cup final. Yet, its reduced capacity—down from 56,000 to 49,307 for this event—has put it under scrutiny. Safety protocols, including buffer zones and restricted seating, account for the cut, but fans argue it’s still too small for a derby of this magnitude.The decision to host the final in Durban wasn’t taken lightly.
With FNB Stadium sidelined by Ultra SA, options were limited. Cape Town Stadium (55,000 seats) and Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (46,000 seats) were considered, but Moses Mabhida’s central location and track record tipped the scales. Still, the overbooking has fuelled calls for better planning and bigger venues.
Beyond the Chaos: What’s at Stake on Saturday
Despite the off-field drama, the focus will soon shift to the pitch. Pirates, led by coach Jose Riveiro, are in scintillating form, having won their last five matches across all competitions. Chiefs, under new boss Nasreddine Nabi, have shown grit, clawing their way to the final with a dramatic semifinal win over Mamelodi Sundowns. The clash promises goals, passion, and a packed Moses Mabhida rocking with noise.
The PSL has confirmed the match will go ahead as planned, with kickoff at 18:00 on 10 May 2025. SABC 1 and SuperSport will broadcast live, ensuring fans without tickets can still tune in. Gates open at 14:00, and authorities urge early arrivals to avoid bottlenecks. Security will be tight, with bans on alcohol, weapons, and large bags enforced.
🔴 Central News Special Edition | Issue 104 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: DA’s Helen Zille Accuses ANC of Using Employment Equity Law to “Shrink Jobs and Punish Business”
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Central-News-Issue-104.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube