Excitement is building all over the country on who the real kings of the Soweto Derby are. Fans from Azaadville, Bloemfontein, Ceres to Zandspruit will all congregate on FNB Stadium on Saturday, 29 October 2022, to watch who gets bragging rights between hosts Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has said that the safety of the fans will be top priority for the sold-out affair between Amabhakabhaka and the Phefeni Glamour Boys.

“There will be about ​200 officers deployed from 10am to ensure the safety of pedestrians and other road users, enforce traffic regulations and assist with traffic flow before and after the game,” says JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla.

Since certain roads will be blocked around FNB Stadium, Fihla urges the spectators heading to the Soweto Derby to alternatively use the N1 Highway, the M1 Highway, the N12 Highway, Main Reef Road, Aerodrome Road, and Adcock Ingram Road.

“To avoid traffic before and after the match there will be a contraflow traffic management system on Nasrec Road from the N17 traffic circle to Shaft 17 Road on the northern side of the stadium, and from Adcock Ingram Road to Recreation Road on the southern side of the stadium,” says Fihla.

The City of Johannesburg’s Transport Department has advised fans to make alternative transport arrangements as Rea Vaya buses will not stop at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

“Rea Vaya buses will not operate on Saturday for the Soweto Derby because the station at FNB Stadium have been vandalised,” says Benny Makgoga, the spokesperson of Rea Vaya.

Spectators using public transport must get off at Landbou Road for drop-offs while e-hailing services will drop off at the Expo Centre Parking 7 and 8 between Landbou Road and Recreation Road. However, general parking will only be at the Expo Centre, Shareworld and the kidneys (open space next to the stadium).

JMPD encourages the spectators to arrive early to avoid traffic congestion. “Residents living around the FNB Stadium vicinity should be patient before, during and after the match, especially after the match as we will be expecting traffic congestion, and this will make it difficult for them to either leave or return home” says Fihla .

Written by Getrude Mamabolo

27/10/2022