Ticket scanning issues worry fans ahead of blockbuster Soweto Derby

The My Ticket system has now been used in three matches since last month at this iconic 2010 World Cup final venue, and it’s encountered what the authorities call teething problems. The new system was introduced to curb the use of fake tickets, but football fans that SABC Sport spoke to after the Chiefs and Stellenbosch game on Tuesday night are seriously concerned.

"We always used the other ticketing system, but since they changed it we now have to scan at the gate and then scan again to enter the stadium. So you have to do two scans before you enter. The main problem arises at the first gate because that's when fans from all the parking areas arrive,  maybe they come from entrance L, and everyone has to scan at the same place. That's where the first congestion starts, and then at the second scanning area there is even more traffic," said Vusi from Meadowlands, Soweto

READ: SMSA clears concerns over new ticketing system at the Soweto Derby

According to the fans, there’s also been some criminal elements that have crept in, with spectators now expected to use their phones to scan tickets. They get exposed to pickpockets who try to steal their phones during congestion around the precinct and turnstiles.

Most fans have attended the last three games at the stadium, and they continue to share their experiences and compare them to the previous system.

"This is a disgrace to South African football. I don't know whether it's the PSL, FNB Stadium or if it's Kaizer Chiefs, but they must find a better way of dealing with such things because this is really disappointing. It's not good at all. The thing is, you come here on time but when you enter the stadium you find that the game is already over because of the way they are doing things." said Chuza from Atredgville 

There are even some startling revelations from fans: in the previous game between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, they went through the turnstiles, scanning the wrong tickets for the wrong game.

"My full name is Mthokozisi and I am from Diepkloof in Soweto. It's the third time that I have used the tickets via MyTicket and it's giving us some problems because now you have to verify your ticket first before you can come in. I bought a ticket for the Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns game at the same time as the Kaizer Chiefs one, so I mistakenly used the ticket for the Kaizer Chiefs v Orlando Pirates game and it scanned there. I think they need to fix it somewhere along the way its going to cause problems,"

With the Soweto derby tickets sold out and over 85 000 people expected for the much-anticipated clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, there are now growing concerns about whether authorities will be able to cope with the pressure.

With the authorities encouraging fans to arrive early for the derby, the long-standing problem of late arrivals by South African football fans remains a concern, and there are fears that these pleas could fall on deaf ears.