In response to the significant overcrowding witnessed during the recent Soweto Derby, Stadium Management South Africa [SMSA] has announced the immediate implementation of a new ticketing system.
This decision stems from significant overcrowding during the highly anticipated Betway Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, 01 February, at the FNB Stadium.
Despite the stadium’s 87,000 capacity, an estimated 100,000 spectators were present, raising serious safety and crowd management concerns.
While many may recall Patrick Maswanganyi‘s dramatic last-minute panenka penalty securing victory for Pirates, the event was marred by logistical challenges. The severe overcrowding led to fans breaching restricted areas, including the media zone and VIP sections, overwhelming security.
Reports also indicate instances of fans jumping fences and general chaos. Additionally, legitimate ticket holders were denied entry and turned away, with police resorting to force outside the venue.
In a media briefing on Tuesday at FNB Stadium, SMSA CEO Bertie Grobbelaar acknowledged the presence of counterfeit tickets, alleged bribery of security personnel, and other logistical problems.
FNB AND ORLANDO STADIUMS SWITCH TO OPEN TICKETS FROM 01 MARCH
Grobbelaar has partnered with Open Tickets to implement a new ticketing system at FNB Stadium and Orlando Stadium. OpenTickets replaces TicketPro.
“We are very excited to announce, in conjunction with the two clubs, the partnership with OpenTickets as the new ticketing agent to Stadium Management and the two venues we manage,” said Grobbelaar.
“OpenTickets is a German-based company… with experience in ticketing, and we’re looking forward to a partnership where we all have proverbial skin in the game and accountability. We made the decision that we’re going to stand accountable to the clubs, the PSL and the fans.”
Grobbelaar added: “The plan was to always implement a new ticking option and system at the start of the 2025/26 season. But unfortunately, with the Derby on 1 February, it became evident that we need to accelerate that process.
“In our internal debriefing session with the Venue Operating Centre [VOC] and the ESSPC [Event Safety and Security Planning Committee], the PSL and other stakeholders, we identified two main issues that contributed to our problems.
“One is fraudulent tickets and scanning issues at entry points. Coupled with the scanning issues, there was the issue of human error and human mala fide on scanning staff and security personnel and in some instances, these people work together, taking bribes to let people in.
“So, with big fixtures coming up, we decided to accelerate the ticket system at the venues we manage, the FNB Stadium Stadium and Orlando Stadium, with immediate effect from the 1st of March. We will have a new ticketing partner, a new ticketing system, and new ticketing purchase options.”
1700 OUTLETS FOR NEW SECURE TICKETS, WHATSAPP PURCHASES ADDED
The Stadium Management SA CEO also identified the 46,000 easily replicated “till slip” tickets as a major source of fraud, leading to their immediate discontinuation. To replace them, Grobbelaar stated that SMSA is introducing a new, secure ticket stock with advanced security features available at 1,700 outlets nationwide, including Shoprite, Usave, and Checkers.
Grobbelaar also added that alongside the existing digital sales of tickets, SMSA is expanding its digital options. Fans can now purchase tickets via WhatsApp, using payment methods like Zapper, Capitec App, and 1 Voucher. He revealed that direct purchasing is also available through the clubs’ and Stadium Management SA websites.
To enhance security at the stadium entrances, Stadium Management SA will increase manpower at scanning points and improve cooperation between state and private security, as stated by Grobbelaar. He confirmed that LED lights will be installed at scanning points, indicating ticket validity with green or red lights.
The CEO also stressed the need for stronger legal action against counterfeit ticket producers and holders, highlighting the current lack of successful prosecutions.
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