Football lovers should be buzzing with excitement ahead of this weekend’s Soweto Derby, but instead, many are feeling anxious about something that has nothing to do with what happens on the pitch. The new MyTicket system at the iconic FNB Stadium is once again under scrutiny, after repeated scanning issues left fans frustrated during recent matches.
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A new system meant to stop fakes is creating new headaches
Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA) introduced MyTicket earlier this year with the goal of curbing fake tickets, a long-standing issue at major local fixtures. The system has now been in use for three matches, yet supporters say it’s still riddled with what officials refer to as teething problems.
Supporters have to scan their tickets twice: once at the outer gate and again at the turnstiles. While that may sound simple on paper, Tuesday night’s Kaizer Chiefs vs Stellenbosch match showed how easily things can go wrong.
Fans arriving from different parking zones merge into a single scanning point, leading to heavy congestion before they even reach the stadium doors. By the time they move to the second scan point, the lines have grown even longer.
For regular match-goers, this experience is a far cry from previous systems that allowed for smoother entry.
Read more: Soweto derby tickets sell out online in just two hours as excitement surges
Safety risks: pickpockets taking advantage of the chaos
Another worry gaining traction is safety. With mobile ticketing now the norm, supporters must pull out their phones while navigating packed queues. Some fans reported attempted pickpocketing around the outer gates and turnstiles, raising questions about whether the stadium precinct is secure enough for an 85 000-strong crowd.
Given that the derby is the biggest fixture on the local football calendar, fans want reassurance that their matchday experience will be safe and free of unnecessary stress.
Scanning the wrong ticket? It has already happened
One of the more surprising revelations from this week was that a supporter managed to enter the stadium using a ticket for a completely different match. The system processed a Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates ticket at a fixture that had nothing to do with the derby.
Incidents like this add to fears that the technology may not be robust enough to handle a sold-out event, especially a high-pressure one like the Soweto Derby where crowd management must be flawless.
Will South African fans arrive early?
Authorities are urging supporters to get to the stadium well ahead of kickoff, something South African football culture has historically struggled with. Late arrivals have contributed to bottlenecks at previous derbies, and there is now concern that MyTicket’s double-scanning requirement will make the situation worse if fans continue to come at the last minute.
With more than 85 000 people expected to pack the stadium, even small delays could snowball into major entry problems.
Read more: Stellenbosch stun Chiefs with late comeback at FNB Stadium
The stakes are high for a sold-out derby
The Soweto Derby remains one of the most celebrated fixtures on the African football calendar, drawing massive crowds and global interest. If MyTicket’s issues aren’t ironed out in time, organisers risk more than just irritated fans. They risk the reputation of a derby that holds deep cultural significance for South African football.
For now, all eyes are on SMSA and Kaizer Chiefs to reassure supporters that Saturday will run smoothly. Fans just want to focus on the football, not on whether they will be stuck outside while kickoff comes and goes.
Read more: Soweto Derby 2026: Chiefs And Pirates Set For A Clash Loaded With Nerves, History And High Stakes
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Source: SABC Sport
Featured Image Source: Kaizer Chiefs on X
