Soweto derby could move from FNB Stadium after crowd-control failures

Premier Soccer League chairman Irvin Khoza has warned that the Soweto derby could be moved to Moses Mabhida Stadium after serious crowd-control problems at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

The venue in Johannesburg was reportedly overcrowded, with allegations that security staff accepted bribes from supporters who did not have tickets. Some fans arriving shortly before kick-off were prevented from entering after the stadium reached capacity.

A group of supporters then forced its way through the gates, creating further safety and security concerns. It was reported that 6,000 people, including some holding suite tickets, were locked out despite having tickets for the match.

Video footage shared on social media appeared to show angry supporters vandalising barriers and damaging steel gates after they were refused entry.

The incidents have prompted scrutiny and investigations into the organisation and security arrangements at FNB Stadium. Stakeholders involved in hosting matches at the venue had previously outlined plans to address overcrowding, but the difficulties returned at Saturday’s derby.

Khoza said those responsible for delivering matches at the stadium were not meeting their obligations.

“We went to Durban for the final of Pirates and Chiefs in the Nedbank [Cup]; nothing of the sort happened. Pirates and Sundowns, nothing of the sort happened, why here?” he told eNCA.

“There are certain role players who are not playing their part, but I cannot name and shame them on television because I’ve asked for a briefing on Thursday to make sure that if they don’t make up the act, we’re going to name and shame them because they are letting us down.”

Khoza praised Moses Mabhida Stadium, which hosted the Nedbank Cup final between Pirates and Chiefs, as well as the match involving Pirates and Sundowns, without similar problems being reported.

“Maybe in the future, instead of going to FNB Stadium, let’s go to Durban because they are good hosts. They do things professionally. All our events are seamless,” he said.

Moses Mabhida ready for major fixtures

Moses Mabhida Stadium manager Zakhi Mkhize said the Durban venue was prepared to stage high-profile matches, including the Soweto derby.

“Moses Mabhida is a soccer stadium that welcomes big-match content like the derby,” Mkhize told Sowetan.

“Our stadium is also open seven days a week for permanent staff for maintenance and coordination of content. The approach to hosting becomes a city initiative so that all sectors from security, health, communication and governance work cohesively and efficiently to deliver a safe sporting environment.”

Stadium Management SA chief executive Bertie Grobbelaar could not be reached for comment.