Khoza Issues Serious Warning Following Soweto Derby Chaos: PSL Chairman Threats to Identify and Shame Those at Fault as Durban Move Approaches

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — Following the most recent crowd-control fiasco at FNB Stadium, Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza has issued a harsh warning to stakeholders in charge of planning the Soweto Derby, threatening to publicly expose those who fail to fulfilll their duties.

If the ongoing organisational and security issues are not resolved, Khoza's comments have further increased the likelihood that one of South Africa's largest football events may be moved from Johannesburg to Durban.

The dispute comes after the Buccaneers defeated the Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in Saturday's Betway Premiership match between long-time rivals Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. Serious worries about stadium security, ticketing and crowding overshadowed the exciting action on the pitch.

Despite having valid match tickets, thousands of fans were reportedly left stuck outside FNB Stadium. According to reports, after the facility filled up, about 6,000 fans were turned away; some of them were purportedly in possession of premium and suite tickets.

According to reports, the situation worsened as irate fans tried to push their way through stadium doors, causing damage to steel gates and security barricades. Concerns over the event's management have also grown as a result of allegations that security guards accepted payments from people without tickets.

Khoza stated in a post-event statement that the PSL will not just ignore the shortcomings. He attested to the fact that pertinent parties had been told to give justifications during a planned 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, according to eNCA.

The PSL chairman also questioned why large football games held at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium had not seen similar situations.

He notably cited past high-profile matches as instances of effective event management, such as the Pirates vs. Chiefs Nedbank Cup final.

"Maybe in the future, we might visit Durban instead of FNB Stadium as they make excellent hosts. They act in a professional manner. Every one of our events runs smoothly," he continued.

His remarks have solidified Moses Mabhida Stadium's position as a possible substitute location for next Soweto Derby games.

Zakhi Mkhize, the manager of Moses Mabhida Stadium, has stated that the stadium is prepared to host important football games, emphasising Durban's unified strategy involving security, healthcare, communication, and governance systems.

The PSL's future actions will be keenly monitored for the time being. The next stakeholder briefing may be crucial in deciding who will be held accountable and how the derby will be run in the future.

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