By Lungisani Mkhulise
Despite the confusion over Nedbank Cup ticket sales as many who were standing in queues on Monday were told they were finished without a single person in line being able to purchase them, there is a hive of activity in Durban as traffic volumes are increasing ahead of the weekend’s match between the biggest clubs in South Africa – Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.
“We need to play with hunger, not just history,” says Thabo Mahlangu who is a Kaizer Chiefs supporter from Mayville.
His team hasn’t received a single trophy in eleven years and arch nemesis, Orlando Pirates, is hoping to win the Nedbank Cup for the third time in a row.
“We have waited over a decade for a major cup win, this can’t be just another heartbreak,” Mahlangu continued.
Chiefs is still licking wounds after a 2-1 loss to Pirates in a league match over the weekend. Pirates is second in the league and they’re still hoping that they can take it from front runners, Mamelodi Sundowns. However, it’s in the Nedbank Cup that they have always done better.
“Even though the league has had ups and downs, we always show up in cup finals. I believe we will make history,” says Anele Mthembu who is an Orlando Pirates fan from Umlazi.
There were initial fears that the N3 between Durban and Pietermaritzburg would be shut over the weekend, but those have been alleviated with the announcement that the road will be open to allow traffic flow from and to the northern parts of the country to allow football fans to move smoothly to Durban.
Police are already on high alert in areas around Moses Mabhida Stadium should there be lawbreakers who want to take football fans’ joy away.
At 56 000 capacity, there has also been criticism that the second biggest football stadium in the country may not have been the perfect choice for the Soweto derby final, but the Premier Soccer League (PSL) defends its decision. “There is no venue that is big enough for the Soweto derby,” says PSL CEO, Mato Madlala.
Those without tickets are urged not to go to the stadium and watch the match at home or their favourite entertainment venue instead. Kickoff will be at 15:30 on Saturday.
