Unprecedented demand sparks online chaos
The fever-pitch excitement surrounding the upcoming Nedbank Cup Final has reached new heights, as supporters of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates scrambled to secure tickets—crashing then official Open Tickets website within minutes of going live at 10am this morning (Monday, May 5).
Open Tickets, the official vendor for the final, confirmed the crash in a statement released just an hour after ticket opening, citing technical issues caused by overwhelming traffic. “Our team is actively working to resolve the matter and restore full access as soon as possible,” the company said in a Facebook post.
They added that fans could still secure their tickets in person:
“Tickets for the Nedbank Cup Final between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are still available for purchase at Shoprite, Checkers, and Usave ticket outlets nationwide.”
Ticket pricing and purchase details
- General admission: R150 per ticket
- Limit: Max 4 tickets per customer
- Available at: Shoprite, Checkers, Usave stores, and once restored, www.opentickets.co.za
For hospitality packages, bookings can be made through SAIL at 082 805 3150 or booking@sail.co.za.
Be warned: the situation at physical outlets is equally chaotic, with long queues and mounting reports of disorganisation. Supporters are urged to exercise patience or consider online alternatives where possible.
A historic Soweto Derby showdown
Set for Saturday, May 10 at 15:30 at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium, this will be the first Nedbank Cup Final between Chiefs and Pirates since 2006—when the Glamour Boys triumphed on penalties after a goalless draw.
Saturday’s clash is especially high-stakes:
Pirates are aiming for a third consecutive Nedbank Cup title and their sixth trophy in three seasons.
Chiefs are chasing their first trophy in a decade.
Their most recent encounter, just a week ago at FNB Stadium, saw Pirates edge Chiefs 2-1 in front of a sold-out crowd—fueling even more excitement for this rematch on a national stage.
ALSO READ: Nedbank Cup 2025 semi-finals: Pirates, Chiefs advance amid drama as Gallants stuns in quarters
PSL urges caution amid counterfeit concerns
To protect fans, the PSL has implemented tight security and fraud-prevention protocols.
“The PSL is strongly urging the public to buy tickets through official platforms only,” a spokesperson emphasized. “Tickets from unauthorized sellers will be invalid.”
This follows past issues, including a previous derby where over 10,000 fake tickets caused significant disruptions.
Durban set to host a football classic
Durban last hosted a Chiefs-Pirates final 19 years ago. The Moses Mabhida Stadium, with its 56,000-seat capacity, is now bracing for a flood of football lovers from around the country.
The roots of the derby stretch back to 1971, when the teams first met in the competition and produced a dramatic 2-2 draw before Chiefs won the replay 2-1. Decades later, the stakes—and the passion—have never been higher.
“This promises fans a football spectacle unlike any other.”
Are you ready for Derby Day? Don’t blink—you might miss your ticket.
