Soweto Derby to Be Stripped Away From Johannesburg After Shocking PSL Announcement

Khoza Issues Stern Warning After Soweto Derby Chaos: PSL Chairman Threatens to Name and Shame Those Responsible as Durban Move Looms

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman Dr Irvin Khoza has issued a strong warning to stakeholders responsible for organising the Soweto Derby, threatening to publicly expose those failing to fulfil their duties following the latest crowd-control chaos at FNB Stadium.

Khoza’s remarks have also raised the possibility of one of South African football’s biggest spectacles being relocated from Johannesburg to Durban if the recurring security and organisational problems are not addressed.

The controversy follows Saturday’s Betway Premiership encounter between traditional rivals Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, which ended in a 2-1 victory for the Buccaneers. Despite the thrilling action on the pitch, the occasion was overshadowed by serious concerns over overcrowding, ticketing and stadium security.

Thousands of supporters reportedly found themselves stranded outside FNB Stadium despite possessing valid match tickets. Reports indicated that approximately 6,000 spectators were denied entry after the venue reached capacity, with some supporters allegedly holding premium and suite tickets.

The situation reportedly escalated when frustrated supporters attempted to force their way through stadium entrances, damaging security barriers and steel gates in the process. Allegations of security personnel accepting bribes from individuals without tickets have also intensified questions surrounding the management of the event.

Speaking after the incident, Khoza made it clear that the PSL would not simply overlook the failures. He confirmed that relevant stakeholders had been instructed to provide explanations during a scheduled briefing.

“There are certain role players who are not playing their part, but I cannot name and shame them on television because I’ve asked for a briefing on Thursday to make sure that if they don’t make up the act, we’re going to name and shame them because they are letting us down,” Khoza said, as reported by eNCA.

The PSL chairman also questioned why similar incidents had not occurred during major football events hosted at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

He specifically referenced previous high-profile encounters, including the Nedbank Cup final between Pirates and Chiefs, as examples of successful event management.

“Maybe in the future, instead of going to FNB Stadium, let’s go to Durban because they are good hosts. They do things professionally. All our events are seamless,” he added.

His comments have placed Moses Mabhida Stadium firmly in the conversation as a potential alternative venue for future Soweto Derby fixtures.

Meanwhile, Moses Mabhida Stadium manager Zakhi Mkhize has expressed the venue’s readiness to accommodate major football matches, highlighting Durban’s coordinated approach involving security, healthcare, communication and governance structures.

For now, the PSL’s next steps will be closely watched. The upcoming stakeholder briefing could prove decisive in determining accountability and the future organisation of the derby.

Source https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2118961716805406826?a=VN87l_U2aXq8b4GJ8RU&s=19

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