Ticket turmoil sparks fears of chaos ahead of Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida
Scores of soccer fans patiently wait in winding queues outside different Shoprite outlets in and around Durban and across the country to purchase the tickets for the highly-anticipated Nedbank Cup final between arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, that is set to take place at the Moses Mabhida stadium this coming Saturday.
Image: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers.
DESPITE the excitement building ahead of Saturday's Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates Nedbank Cup final in Durban, the lead-up to the match has been overshadowed by chaos surrounding ticket sales on Monday, which sparked concerns that there could possibly be mayhem outside Moses Mabhida Stadium, ahead of kick-off.
Speculation was rife that some individuals had purchased tickets in bulk to resell them at inflated prices, which is known to be a usual occurrence ahead of high-profile football matches, according to some fans.
Fans took to social media expressing frustration after missing out on the opportunity to purchase tickets, and alleged that scalping and even counterfeit ticket sales may plague the highly anticipated match.
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, said: “We want everyone to enjoy the match safely. Even VIPs must obey the law. We don’t want them to hear the match results from behind bars."
While Kaizer Chiefs' communications manager, Vina Maphosa, declined to comment directly on the controversy over the ticket sales, he urged fans to arrive early and in large numbers to support the game.
“It is not our duty as a club to sell tickets, so we will not comment on this. But, we would like to encourage football lovers to come out early and in numbers to watch the game on Saturday,” he told the Daily News.
Durban-based Kaizer Chiefs branch member Brian Mzizi said: “The PSL must deal with the issue of people who buy in bulk to resell at a very high price. Mark my words, there is bound to be chaos outside the stadium on Saturday.”
Ticketing platform Open Tickets, which handled sales for the final, issued a statement on yesterday, acknowledging the chaos that unfolded on Monday.
“An unprecedented surge in demand caused system delays shortly after sales opened on Monday, 5 May 2025,” the company said. “We understand the frustration this has caused, and we are urgently addressing the matter.”
The company promised to issue a full report to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and communicate directly with affected customers regarding issues or refunds.
The PSL has been tight-lipped on the matter.
Meanwhile, the host city, eThekwini, has forged ahead with preparations, announcing that it was all system’s go ahead of Saturday.
With thousands of fans, local businesses, and dignitaries expected to attend, the city said all the security and logistical plans were in place.
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said: “As we prepare to host the Nedbank Cup Final at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium, we are confident that the city will deliver a spectacular cup final. This will not be the first game involving the two Soweto giants at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, and we have never disappointed the fans before.”
He added: “We want to assure people who will be attending the match that we have left no stone unturned in ensuring that we deliver a safe and memorable cup final,” said Xaba.
According to the municipality, a comprehensive safety and security strategy involving multiple law enforcement agencies will be in place, with increased police visibility throughout the city and near entertainment venues.
Vusi Mazibuko, head of the City’s Stadia and Facilities, assured the public that Moses Mabhida was fully prepared to host the game.
“The stadium has successfully hosted several major events without any challenges. Hosting such events promotes a positive image of the city and boosts tourism,” said Mazibuko.
Ongoing infrastructure upgrades at the venue, which began late last year, have had no effect on safety or operations, he added.
The city reiterated that Moses Mabhida Stadium was not responsible for ticket sales and urged fans to only purchase tickets through officially accredited PSL outlets.
As the final between two of South Africa’s football giants draws near, hopes remain high for a thrilling match, but concerns over ticket-related scams and crowd control remain top of mind for many.
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