MBABANE – As the sold-out Soweto Derby approaches, over 100 anxious emaSwati fans face mounting logistical concerns ahead of their journey to FNB Stadium this weekend.
While Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA) and Kaizer Chiefs have spent weeks promoting the new ‘My Ticket’ digital system to curb counterfeiting, the reality on the ground in Johannesburg suggests a brewing disaster. The system, used in three matches since last month, has been plagued by what authorities call ‘teething problems’ but fans describe as a ‘disgrace’.
The double-scanning process, which is once at the outer precinct and again at the turnstiles, has created massive bottlenecks.
“You come here on time, but when you enter, you find the game is already over,” a fan named Chuza was quoted saying by SABC Sport. More alarmingly, the requirement for fans to use their mobile phones for scanning has reportedly attracted pickpockets to the congested gates.
For the Eswatini contingent, these reports are particularly worrying. Phephile Dlamini, the Kaizer Chiefs Eswatini Branch spokesperson, admitted she was yet to be briefed on these specific glitches.
“I have to liaise with our branch coordinator in Johannesburg to ensure that we do not encounter the same problem,” Dlamini stated. “Otherwise, we usually arrive at the stadium around 1pm for a 3:30pm kick-off.”
Dlamini is leading a group of 43 Amakhosi loyalists leaving tomorrow, February 27, 2026. They will be joined by a significant Orlando Pirates contingent from Eswatini, all crossing the border for the titanic clash.
With over 85 000 people expected, the margin for error is razor-thin. Previous matches saw startling security lapses, including fans successfully scanning tickets for the wrong matchdays.
Notably, this is one of the most significant Soweto derbies in recent years because it is not just about bragging rights. It is a high-stakes collision that could determine the trajectory of the Betway Premiership title race.
Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are locked in a fierce battle for first place. Pirates currently sit at the summit, level on points with Sundowns at 38. The ‘Buccaneers’ are coming off a bruising 2-1 loss to Sundowns just last week. They have zero margin for error; a loss to their arch-rivals could hand the title momentum entirely to the ‘Brazilians’.
For ‘Amakhosi’, this is the ultimate chance to save their season. Chiefs were recently knocked out of both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Confederation Cup and the Nedbank Cup. A win would not just spoil Pirates’ title hopes; it would propel Chiefs into third place, potentially cutting the gap to the leaders to just five points and keeping their title dreams alive.
Leave a comment