Kaizer Chiefs and partners Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA) are ready to welcome their beloved supporters back to the FNB Stadium after a frustrating two-year, Covid-19-induced separation.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s pronouncement that sporting venues would be able to accommodate 50% of their capacity was made on 22 March, much to the delight of many football supporters around the country.

The long-awaited reunion with the Amakhosi faithful will take place when Chiefs host SuperSport United in a DStv Premiership clash on Saturday, 16 April at the FNB Stadium.

“Together with our partners SMSA, we have been working around the clock for a while now to try and get the ball rolling in order to ensure the seamless reintegration of fans into the FNB Stadium on match day,” says Amakhosi’s Marketing and Commercial Director, Jessica Motaung.

“We know that we work with quite a big stadium and that comes with its own unique challenges especially now that there are other layers added at the security checkpoints,” she adds. “We have prepared adequately and appeal to our supporters to comply with the safeguards put in place for their own well-being.”

SMSA CEO, Bertie Grobbelaar, who is in charge of FNB Stadium as well as three other Johannesburg stadia, confirmed that they had worked hard on getting the stadium ready for Saturday’s showpiece.

“We have looked at attendances and have seen some apathy from supporters, but we believe that they will slowly come back,” notes Grobbelaar. In planning for the return of spectators we were requested by Kaizer Chiefs to align the additional operational requirements associated with current legislation, to an enhanced stadium experience for the KCFC fans. This is inclusive of traffic and parking management and enough entry points to ensure smooth and quick access irrespective of the additional checks required in terms of the regulations. Another aspect is the ticketing experience.”

SMSA have confirmed the new ticket vendor as Ticket Master, who will be in charge of ticketing for Kaizer Chiefs matches hosted at FNB Stadium.

“We have asked Ticket Master for assurances that the fans will be able to access tickets with ease through new and familiar platforms. In addition to Ticket Master selling tickets online via credit or debit card, physical tickets will still be available through Computicket outlets and at Shoprite and Checkers.”

Whereas ticket prices would previously start from R40-R80 – depending on the category of the game and the logistical requirements. Now, as a result of many developments and increases in overhead costs, home game tickets will start at R70 for games at FNB Stadium.

“We would like to stress that government regulations necessitated additional operational requirements and manpower even at those prices, we are destined to run the event at a sizeable loss. However, we are happy to work with the home Club to ensure a safe and secure event compliant with legislation and government regulations,” confirms Grobbelaar.

Kaizer Chiefs are making a clarion call to Amakhosi faithful to come in numbers and with the spirit of Love & Peace and get behind the Glamour Boys, who have really missed their presence.

“We are looking forward to the reunion with the Amakhosi faithful. As we said previously, the empty silence in the stands around the country was a new and unpleasant experience for Chiefs because we are used to having our vociferous and loving supporters behind the team at all times. We know that the Gold & Black army will make it known that fans are back in the stadium from this Saturday and we are looking forward to a great vibe in the stands,” adds Motaung.

Those attending the matches are urged to make sure they carry all the documents required for entry to watch the match, namely, a valid match ticket, ID or licence card, plus proof of vaccination certificate or card or negative Covid-19 test not older than 72 hours (3 days).

Supporters are encouraged to adhere to all the protocols at all times as Covid-19 is still here.

“We look forward to 16 April and believe our players will be buoyed by this return of the ‘12^th player’”, concludes Motaung.

Gates at FNB Stadium will open at 16:30 and there will be entertainment for those who arrive early and watch the players get ready for the battle.

We encourage all fans to arrive early at the stadium in their flamboyant Gold & Black regalia to support the team.

Tickets can be purchased online through www.ticketmaster.co.za or at Computicket outlets throughout the country at R70 per ticket. Suite tickets can be purchased through SMSA.