Soweto Derby Fans Outraged Over The 2025 Nedbank Cup Final Venue Decision
By Ngcobo2010
Date: 24 April 2025
The highly anticipated 2025 Nedbank Cup final between arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates is set to ignite the football world on Saturday, 10 May 2025. But while the match-up promises fireworks on the field, it’s the venue selection that has already set social media ablaze.
Fans of both clubs have raised serious concerns over the decision to host the final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban — a venue significantly smaller than the iconic FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, which traditionally hosts the Soweto Derby.
Supporters fear that the Moses Mabhida Stadium may not be equipped to handle the massive crowd expected for a game of this magnitude, warning that the venue’s limited capacity could trigger a stampede similar to the Ellis Park disaster of 2001, where over 40 lives were tragically lost.
“Do the Right Thing,” Urges Chiefs Superfan
Staunch Kaizer Chiefs supporter Manbjessie Tyekana, popularly known as Man B, took to social media to express his frustration and deep concern. In a passionate video message, he said:
“This is a friendly warning to the PSL (Premier Soccer League) leadership and the sponsor Nedbank. If you love the supporters of this country, do the right thing. If you know what happened at Ellis Park a few years ago, you will witness it again on the final day of Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates.”
Man B went on to say that although he has already booked his flights and accommodation for the trip to Durban, he has a bad feeling about the situation:
“I don’t want to die there. You will see stampede there, and people will force to get inside the stadium. Moses Mabhida is too small to host a game of this magnitude.”
Pirates Fans Share the Sentiment
It’s not just Chiefs fans who are outraged. Orlando Pirates supporter Jacobus Mudau also criticized the decision, alleging that the PSL had wrongly anticipated a final between Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
“I think PSL thought the final will be between Pirates and Sundowns as they did not anticipate the results between Chiefs and Sundowns,” Mudau said.
“On the stadium announcement day, PSL was supposed to carry two envelopes — one for FNB and one for Moses Mabhida — depending on the semi-final results.”
A Growing Outcry
The debate has sparked widespread outcry, with fans and pundits alike calling on the PSL and Nedbank to reconsider the decision in the interest of public safety. The Soweto Derby is not just a match; it’s a cultural event that attracts tens of thousands of passionate fans — and a smaller venue could lead to overcrowding, logistical nightmares, and possible chaos.
With the final just weeks away, the question remains: Will the PSL respond to the calls for change, or will the game go ahead in Durban amid rising tension and fear?
🎥 Watch Man B’s full video statement here: