- Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie issued a stern warning to Stadium Management SA ahead of the October 31 Soweto derby at FNB Stadium
- McKenzie said he had already reported the police to the police minister over the absence of officers at the previous Soweto derby
- The minister described scenes of supporters being threatened with knives and an elderly woman being pressed against the stadium gates
Source: Getty Images
SOUTH AFRICA — Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has threatened to have Stadium Management SA (SMSA) officials arrested if crowd safety conditions at FNB Stadium do not improve significantly before the next Soweto derby on 31 October 2026.
McKenzie made the warning at a press conference in Pretoria on Wednesday, 14 October, where he addressed ongoing concerns about dangerous conditions at matches between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.
Pirates will host Chiefs at FNB Stadium at the end of the month, with tickets for the general public selling out in under a day on Wednesday.
Gayton McKenzie raises alarm over police absence
The minister said he had formally reported the lack of police presence at the most recent derby to the police minister and had written to SMSA demanding accountability. Recalling a previous fixture, McKenzie said he saw an elderly woman pressed against the stadium gate who told him the situation had persisted for over 30 years.
"She said 'If I die, I die' — and I told her you don't need to die at a soccer game," the minister said.
McKenzie drew a sharp contrast between safety conditions at rugby and football events held at the same venue. He pointed to the Springboks vs All Blacks fixture at FNB Stadium in September, where no major safety incidents were reported, and questioned why football supporters faced a fundamentally different experience.
"You have the same amount of people at rugby and football matches, but there is chaos at the football match. I am highly annoyed," he said.
Fake tickets and knife threats at recent derbies
The minister described supporters arriving with valid tickets only to find their seats occupied by individuals who had entered using fake or counterfeit tickets. He said those who challenged seat occupants were being threatened with knives, creating an environment of fear inside the stadium.
Several recent derby incidents have been linked to problems with a new digital ticketing system introduced to combat counterfeit entry.
"I told Stadium Management SA I'll get them arrested if they can't keep our people safe and I want to make that one clear," McKenzie said.
The minister first described the Soweto derby as "an accident waiting to happen" in March 2026, a warning he has now escalated ahead of one of the most anticipated fixtures in the South African football calendar.
Source: Facebook
Orlando Pirates face injury concern ahead of Soweto Derby
Briefly News previously reported that Orlando Pirates are waiting for a medical assessment after Oswin Appollis was stretchered off during their 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy on 13 October 2026.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou admitted he was concerned about the winger’s condition, with the Buccaneers facing a demanding run of fixtures.
Source: Briefly News
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