{"id":43701,"date":"2026-10-28T13:12:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-28T11:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=43701"},"modified":"2026-10-28T15:21:43","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T13:21:43","slug":"soweto-derby-fan-experience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/soweto-derby-fan-experience\/","title":{"rendered":"Soweto Derby Fan Experience: Barba Gaoganediwe Calls for Better Transport, Safety and Stadium Reforms"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gauteng&#8217;s world-class stadiums are not consistently delivering the matchday experience football supporters deserve, according to Gauteng Tourism Authority Head of Destination Marketing and Promotions  Barba Gaoganediwe. Speaking on Radio 2000&#8217;s <em>Game On with Thabiso Mosia<\/em>, Gaoganediwe called for affordable public transport, stricter seating enforcement and improved security at major football fixtures, particularly the Soweto Derby. His comments followed comparisons between the experiences of rugby and football supporters at FNB Stadium, raising questions about how major sporting events are managed in Gauteng.<\/p><div id=\"gaute-1686307680\" class=\"gaute-after-paragraph-1 gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The discussion was prompted by positive feedback following a Springboks and All Blacks rugby match at FNB Stadium, where spectators reportedly experienced smoother transport arrangements, better crowd management and more organised stadium access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Gaoganediwe, the difference highlights a wider challenge facing football organisers: creating a safe, accessible and enjoyable experience that begins long before kick-off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/soweto-derby-history\/\"><strong>ALSO READ: Soweto Derby History: How South Africa\u2019s Biggest Football Rivalry Began<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Football&#8217;s Stadium Experience Is Falling Short<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.radio2000.co.za\/radio2000\/show\/game-on\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">During the interview<\/a>, Mosia questioned why rugby supporters appeared to enjoy a more organised experience than football fans, despite attending events at the same venue and in similarly large numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gaoganediwe acknowledged that improvements were necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Football have not been able to get it right,&#8221; he said, adding that there were areas requiring attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He argued that South Africa already has quality stadium infrastructure, but the management of spectators before, during and after matches needs greater coordination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Gaoganediwe, the success of a major sporting event should not be measured solely by attendance figures or what happens on the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Transport, ticketing, seating, security and the journey home all contribute to the overall experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He explained that memorable events encourage repeat attendance and strengthen the reputation of sporting destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Gauteng, where major fixtures attract thousands of spectators, improving these experiences could also strengthen the province&#8217;s appeal as a sports tourism destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Public Transport Could Transform the Soweto Derby Experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Transport emerged as one of the biggest differences between the rugby and football experiences discussed on the programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mosia cited figures indicating that approximately 46,000 of the 85,000 spectators at the rugby match used public transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These arrangements included buses, trains and park and ride services, helping reduce the number of private vehicles travelling to FNB Stadium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, affordability remains a concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The discussion highlighted park and ride prices of approximately R250 to R260, which could be difficult for football supporters to afford in addition to match tickets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;You can&#8217;t have a transport costing more than the actual experience,&#8221; Gaoganediwe said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He proposed exploring more affordable transport packages, including arrangements that could combine match tickets with subsidised bus services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One possibility discussed was allowing supporters to travel through Park Station before connecting to services transporting them directly to the stadium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Such arrangements could also create opportunities for earlier ticket verification, potentially reducing congestion and problems associated with counterfeit tickets at stadium entrances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These proposals were raised during the interview and were not announced as confirmed transport services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2546251361\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reopening Nasrec Railway Station Could Ease Stadium Traffic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gaoganediwe also identified the restoration of Nasrec railway station as an important step towards improving access to FNB Stadium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He explained that the station had been affected by vandalism and had not been operating following the COVID period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Restoring passenger rail services could provide football supporters with another transport option while reducing pressure on surrounding roads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gaoganediwe pointed to the potential benefits of integrating rail travel with Gauteng&#8217;s broader public transport network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He also referred to previous discussions involving provincial leadership and an earlier target for restoring the station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the interview did not establish whether the facility had reopened or provide a confirmed operational date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For supporters, a functioning rail connection could reduce dependence on private vehicles, particularly during high-attendance fixtures such as the Soweto Derby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Allocated Seating and Clear Walkways Are Essential for Safety<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While transport remains a major concern, Gaoganediwe argued that the experience inside stadiums requires equal attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He questioned why numbered seating arrangements are not consistently respected during football matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Supporters sometimes occupy seats allocated to other spectators, while groups gathering in popular sections can obstruct walkways and access routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gaoganediwe warned that these practices create avoidable safety risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He argued that stadium regulations should be enforced consistently rather than allowing established habits to determine how spectators behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The discussion also acknowledged the importance of organised football supporters and their traditions of singing, gathering and supporting teams together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rather than eliminating these traditions, Gaoganediwe suggested that stadiums could explore designated sections accommodating supporters who prefer to stand or sit in groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The aim would be to preserve football&#8217;s atmosphere while ensuring that seating arrangements and emergency access routes remain properly managed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2546251361\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stadium Security Must Match the Size of the Event<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Security arrangements were another major focus of the interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mosia raised concerns about counterfeit tickets, overcrowding and differences in the security packages selected for major sporting events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gaoganediwe warned against compromising safety to reduce event costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;The biggest thing here is not the cost of implementing the plan, it&#8217;s the cost of a possible loss of life,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He argued that high-attendance football fixtures should receive security arrangements appropriate to their size and risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This would require closer cooperation between stadium management, football authorities, ticketing companies, law enforcement agencies and transport operators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gaoganediwe also proposed exploring a funding model in which a small percentage of event revenue could support traffic management, security and crowd control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He suggested that such arrangements could help develop a more experienced group of stadium marshals rather than relying heavily on personnel appointed for individual events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The proposal was presented as his personal suggestion, not an approved funding mechanism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Supporters Must Be Part of the Solution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The discussion also explored why some football supporters arrive shortly before kick-off and why previous attempts to introduce prematch entertainment have struggled to attract participation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mosia referred to stadium management&#8217;s experiences with fan parks, entertainment areas and family-friendly activities that had not generated the expected interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gaoganediwe argued that organisers should involve supporters when designing these experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He suggested working with supporters&#8217; clubs to understand what fans want from stadium entertainment, group seating and family attendance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He also acknowledged that certain established matchday habits need to change, particularly those affecting crowd movement and safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, he rejected attempts to explain differences between rugby and football spectators through racial generalisations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, he emphasised consistent enforcement, appropriate infrastructure and shared responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His argument was that successful matchday experiences depend on both organisers providing suitable systems and supporters respecting them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2546251361\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What This Means for Gauteng Residents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Gauteng residents, the issues raised during the Radio 2000 discussion extend beyond football.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stadiummanagement.co.za\/tickets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Major sporting events <\/a>affect traffic, public transport, policing and businesses operating near stadiums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Improved transport coordination could reduce congestion around FNB Stadium while providing more affordable travel options for supporters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stronger seating enforcement and better trained security personnel could make stadiums safer and more welcoming, particularly for families attending matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A more reliable matchday experience could also encourage spectators to attend events more regularly, supporting businesses involved in transport, hospitality and entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, implementing Gaoganediwe&#8217;s proposals would require cooperation between government, sporting organisations, stadium operators and transport providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No new transport subsidy, seating policy or security funding arrangement was formally announced during the interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why is the Soweto Derby fan experience being discussed?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The discussion followed comparisons between the experiences of spectators attending a Springboks and All Blacks rugby match and those attending major football fixtures at FNB Stadium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What changes did Barba Gaoganediwe propose?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He suggested affordable public transport, restoring Nasrec railway station, enforcing allocated seating, improving stadium security and involving supporters in event planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Will public transport be free for Soweto Derby supporters?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Free or subsidised transport arrangements were discussed as possibilities. No confirmed scheme was announced during the interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why is allocated seating important at football matches?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Allocated seating helps manage crowd movement, prevents disputes over occupied seats and reduces the risk of overcrowding and blocked walkways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What role does the Gauteng Tourism Authority play in the discussion?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Authority&#8217;s Chief Marketing Officer, Barba Gaoganediwe, contributed his perspective on improving visitor experiences at major sporting events. His comments included proposals requiring cooperation with other stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2546251361\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Improving Football&#8217;s Matchday Experience Requires Collective Action<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The conversation on <em>Game On with Thabiso Mosia<\/em> highlighted a challenge that extends beyond the Soweto Derby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gauteng has the stadium infrastructure to host major sporting occasions, but the experience of attending those events depends on how effectively transport, ticketing, seating and security are coordinated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gaoganediwe&#8217;s proposals place responsibility on organisers, authorities and supporters to improve the experience collectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For football fans, the immediate priorities remain affordable access, safe stadium environments and reliable arrangements that make attending matches less difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether these proposals lead to practical changes will depend on the decisions taken by the organisations responsible for managing major sporting events.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The experience of attending major football matches in Gauteng came under scrutiny during a Radio 2000 discussion on Game On with Thabiso Mosia, featuring Gauteng Tourism Authority Chief Marketing Officer Barba Gaoganediwe. The conversation examined why rugby supporters appeared to enjoy smoother transport, seating and stadium access at FNB Stadium than football fans attending major fixtures such as the Soweto Derby. Gaoganediwe called for improved public transport, stricter stadium regulations and greater cooperation between event organisers, authorities and supporters to make football matches safer and more accessible.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":43711,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"soweto derby,Radio 2000,Barba Gaognediwe,Gauteng","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"","footnotes":"","_ppma_block_editor_authors":""},"categories":[56],"tags":[11896,83,1076],"ppma_author":[11575],"class_list":["post-43701","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-sports","tag-barba-gaoganediwe","tag-gauteng","tag-soweto-derby"],"authors":[{"term_id":11575,"user_id":23,"is_guest":0,"slug":"nomthandazo","display_name":"Nomthandazo Ntisa","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ec3262463e8ed5ea26dca074ed7eff95ffede057639be73a77f7896ccd06170f?s=96&r=g","author_category":"1","first_name":"Nomthandazo","last_name":"Ntisa","user_url":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/","job_title":"Content Editor","description":"Nomthandazo Ntisa is a journalist and Content Editor at What's On G with more than six years of experience in journalism, digital publishing, and content strategy. She covers the people, places, events, and issues shaping Gauteng - producing stories that help readers understand and connect with life across the province."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43701","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43701"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43701\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43723,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43701\/revisions\/43723"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43711"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43701"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43701"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43701"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=43701"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}