Chiefs v Mamelodi Sundowns: FNB Stadium crowd expected to exceed two-thirds capacity

Kaizer Chiefs’ league meeting with Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium on Saturday is expected to draw a crowd of more than two-thirds of the stadium’s capacity, with ticket sales forecast to increase sharply before kick-off.

FNB Stadium can accommodate approximately 94,000 spectators, and Stadium Management SA chief executive Bertie Grobbelaar said more than 32,000 tickets had been sold by Thursday. Just over one-third of the available tickets had been purchased by Thursday morning, only a day after Kaizer Chiefs had played at the same venue.

Sales are expected to double between late Thursday and Friday as supporters finalise their plans for one of the league’s biggest fixtures.

“I’m confident that we will have a close-to-capacity crowd, and I hope that the weather is better,” said Grobbelaar.

The match will be the first afternoon kick-off between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium since September 2014, adding to the sense of occasion around Saturday’s fixture.

Stadium authorities are also urging spectators to plan their journeys carefully, with traffic management a major focus ahead of the expected attendance. Alternative free parking has been made available at Johannesburg Stadium in an effort to reduce congestion in the area surrounding FNB Stadium.

A total of 800 parking bays will be provided around the stadium precinct, at a cost of R80. Supporters will also have access to Gautrain and Rea Vaya packages as part of the transport arrangements for the match.

The security company contracted by Stadium Management SA has been changed before the fixture. The move is intended to prevent the problems that have traditionally accompanied matches played in front of capacity or near-capacity crowds.

The ticketing update comes as interest continues to build around the meeting between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns. The expected attendance would place the fixture among the larger league crowds at FNB Stadium, although the projected total remains below its full capacity of approximately 94,000.

With ticket sales gathering pace and a further rise anticipated before the weekend, organisers are preparing for a busy matchday around the stadium. Supporters have been encouraged to make use of the available public transport options and alternative parking to help limit traffic problems before and after the game.