Ticket or Not, Fans Say They’re Heading to Moses Mabhida Stadium

Despite warnings from authorities, passionate football fans insist they’re making the trip to Durban for the Nedbank Cup final between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates — with or without tickets.
The much-anticipated clash, set to kick off at 15:30 on Saturday at Moses Mabhida Stadium, has sparked widespread frustration after chaotic scenes surrounding ticket sales. Supporters flocked to online platforms Open Tickets and Computicket when sales opened at 10:00 on Monday, only to be met with system crashes and widespread disappointment. Many believed their purchases were successful, only to later receive messages informing them that their tickets were invalid due to over-selling.
PSL Confirms Overselling by 10,000 Tickets
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) confirmed on Thursday that the ticketing systems were overwhelmed by demand, leading to an oversell of approximately 10,000 tickets — pushing well beyond the 41,000 available for public sale. Refunds have been promised for those affected, but for many, the financial and emotional toll has already set in.
Supporters Left Out of Pocket
Numerous fans had already spent large amounts on travel and accommodation, assuming their tickets were secured. Some, like Sandton-based Chiefs supporter Tsietsi Mkansi, had no intention of turning back.
“After Chiefs beat Sundowns in the semis, I booked everything — flights, accommodation and a car,” Mkansi said. “I’ve spent around R15,000. Even though I didn’t get a ticket, I’m still going to Durban, hoping to find one on the day.”
Desperate Fans Hope to Buy from Touts
Others echoed his sentiments. Tebogo Matlala from Polokwane said he and four friends were heading to Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban regardless. “We booked four rooms at R1,300 per night and planned to drive down. We had reference numbers for tickets, but now we’ve been told we’ll be refunded. We’ll try our luck with ticket sellers outside the stadium.”
Police Promise Zero Tolerance at Moses Mabhida Stadium
Their determination comes in defiance of stern warnings from police. KwaZulu-Natal deputy commissioner Maj-Gen Phumelele Makoba issued a strong statement ahead of the final:
“We will be strict on the ground. If you don’t have a valid ticket, do not come to the stadium. Watch from somewhere else — don’t cause problems.”
A Derby with High Stakes
The final promises to be a high-stakes affair, with Pirates fresh from a 2-1 win over Chiefs in last weekend’s league fixture. They aim to hand coach José Riveiro a third consecutive Nedbank Cup and a record sixth straight derby win. For Chiefs, it’s a desperate attempt to end a nearly decade-long trophy drought.
Whether ticketed or not, thousands are determined to witness this moment in local football history. But as excitement builds, so too does concern over safety and crowd control. Authorities in Moses Mabhida Stadium are on high alert — but for many fans, staying away simply isn’t an option.
Also read: Nedbank Cup Final Tickets Sold Out: Here’s How You Can Get Your Refund