Metro police urges derby fans to arrive early
JOBURG - In order to avoid the historical traffic congestion synonymous with the Soweto derby, Metro police has urged fans to arrive early at the stadium.
In order to avoid the historical traffic congestion synonymous with the Soweto derby, Metro police has urged fans to arrive early at the stadium.
Soccer fans should come with their match and parking tickets in hand to avoid disappointment and being turned away, said Metro police spokesperson Wayne Minnaar when he was asked to outline their traffic safety plan for the derby at the press conference.
Minnaar said the Soweto Highway will be closed as early as 10am, both in the Booysens area and Diepkloof on the on-ramp to the N1, and will re-open as soon as the match finishes. Motorists without match and parking tickets will be turned away before they even come close to the stadium.
“I also urge motorists not to park on the side of the road close to the stadium as we’re going to tow away the vehicles to the pound and owners will have to pay a fine to retrieve them. To avoid traffic congestion, fans should arrive early at the stadium as they will be entertained before the kick-off,” Minnaar said.
Premier Soccer League’s Professor Ronnie Schloss said the fans will be searched as they enter the stadium and urged them not bring any form of weapons, bottles and tins. This match will be televised to the whole of Africa and the league wants to ensure it continues to set good football and crowd control standards, Schloss said.
Vodacom’s Bronson Mokabela, sponsors of both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, said those who come early to the stadium will partake in the abundant giveaways on the day. “I wish both teams a great match on Saturday and for the fans, I hope they enjoy it,” Mokabela said.
