Kopano Monaheng
WITH the world going digital, Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA) is also doing the same.
From the last few Premier Soccer League (PSL) matches, soccer fans have been asked to buy their day match tickets online and produce the barcode of the ticket for scanning upon arrival at the FNB stadium.
And this has been a success, though there was a minor challenge whereby the scanners were too slow to deal with pressure, consequently making the supporters waiting in queues impatient. Everyone just wanted to get inside the stadium to watch the game, and this was causing problems.
FNB stadium’s management director, Bertie Grobbelaar, said gates will be opened from 11h30 to allow people free movement into the stadium.
He encourages every football fan, family, and everyone else who already has a ticket to arrive early on Saturday so that they can enjoy themselves.
Bertie said they’re determined to host a nonviolent event, and to achieve all this, they need all their stakeholders to come to the party on the day to ensure that safety is of a high standard. Not just for the Soweto derby but for all matches and events that take place in their stadiums.
Chance takers who will come to the stadium to sell fake tickets or cause commotion will be dealt with decisively, as police officers and security personnel will be present to ensure a smooth entry into the stadium.
Kaizer Chiefs director of marketing and commercial, Jessica Motaung, said they can’t wait for the match to kickoff on Saturday.
“We’re encouraging watch parties to get together. Watch the game, enjoy it with your family, enjoy it with your friends, and gather in taverns,” she said.
Motaung said at the end of the day it’s all about entertainment, which is what gets people excited to attend stadium matches.
She warns fans not to come to the stadium if they don’t have tickets.
She said during match day, they see more fraudulent activities, especially in the circulation of counterfeit tickets. They plead with the fans to distance themselves from such activities because if you do get caught, you will face the full might of the law. So be warned.
Pictures by: Kaizer Chiefs
