by Benjamin Nyirenda

Kaizer Chiefs Digital Marketing Manager Kemiso Motaung has urged supporters to arrive early at FNB Stadium when Amakhosi host Mamelodi Sundowns in a highly anticipated Betway Premiership encounter on Saturday.

The match, which kicks off at 15h00, is expected to attract a large crowd, with Chiefs preparing a range of entertainment and fan activities before the game and during half-time.

Speaking to the media on Thursday afternoon, Motaung said the club was working closely with stadium management to improve the overall match-day experience, particularly around access and transport.

She thanked Bertie Grobbelaar and the SMSA team for their continued efforts to address challenges around stadium access, saying the club remained committed to ensuring that supporters enjoyed a positive experience from the moment they arrived.

“We are seeing a lot of feedback about the stadium’s access, where people are having challenges, and I think we’re continuing to work with the SMSA team to get things right,” Motaung said.

“For us, it’s not just about money. It’s about the experience that we want our supporters to have and for them to go home and speak positively about it and want to come back again.”

With Saturday’s fixture expected to be one of the biggest games of the early Premiership season, Motaung stressed the importance of supporters planning ahead and making their way to the stadium well before kick-off.

“And we have planned some activities for our supporters. It is important that people come early, and I think we continue to put out that messaging: please come early,” she said.

Motaung pointed to the previous Soweto Derby hosted by Chiefs as an example of what can be achieved when supporters arrive at the stadium on time.

“I do want to commend our supporters from the last derby. People came early and the derby started on time. So people did listen, and I’d like to thank the supporters for that. We’d like to ask you to do the same again and remember those positive experiences we had from that game.”

Supporters have also been encouraged to make use of public transport options, including the Gautrain and Rea Vaya services, to reduce traffic congestion around the stadium precinct.

“Take advantage of the transport options that Bertie has been working on negotiating for us. The Gautrain and the Rea Vaya options are both great options and good value for money,” she said.

Motaung also revealed that supporters will be treated to live entertainment, with T-Money Express and Scott Maphuma scheduled to perform before the match and during half-time.

“You’re not going to be bored in your seats. Come early, be comfortable and get your drinks rather than rushing in, because that’s where the problems arise,” she said.

The club is also encouraging families to attend, with a dedicated family zone available at the stadium. In addition, supporters can make use of the Toyota Zone and other activations planned for the day.

Motaung said Chiefs were also mindful of security and traffic concerns and urged supporters to minimise the number of private vehicles entering the stadium precinct where possible.

“If we can achieve that, the experience will be better for everybody. Traffic will be better and it will be a process that flows better. That’s really what we want to emphasise,” she said.

With Chiefs having made a strong start to their Premiership campaign, Motaung said the club was excited about welcoming supporters to what promises to be a major football occasion.

“From our side, we’re excited to see our supporters. We’re excited to host and we’re excited to continue this journey with our supporters. We have set a plan for the season and we are going to work to ensure that this kingdom of ours will rise again,” she said.

“We want to make sure we rise together with everybody, on and off the pitch, and give a great experience to everyone.”

The Chiefs-Sundowns clash gets underway at 15h00 on Saturday at FNB Stadium.