MTN8 Final Ticket Controversy: Opentickets CEO Denies Denying KZN Fans Access
Opentickets CEO and founder Marnus van Niekerk has confirmed that it is “absolutely not true” that KwaZulu-Natal residents were intentionally or systematically denied the opportunity to purchase MTN8 final tickets.
Speaking at a press conference at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday, Van Niekerk emphasized that the platform’s digital queueing system applies equal access to all supporters, regardless of geographic location.
His comments respond to a long-standing conspiracy theory alleging that whenever major cup finals are hosted in Durban, ticketing systems prioritize out-of-province buyers to stimulate regional tourism and hospitality spending.
These allegations were previously rejected by eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele and Mayor Cyril Xaba.
“There is a narrative that people from KZN didn’t get a fair opportunity to buy tickets; we can absolutely say that is not true,” said van Niekerk at a press conference at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday.
“It is not from the sponsor, the league, or OpenTickets, or any effort to control who buys tickets and who doesn’t buy tickets.
“There was a queuing system that was fair to everyone; everyone had the same opportunity, and we had the statistics to back it up.
“Nearly 60% of tickets were sold to people in KZN. Obviously, Gauteng is second on the list. But there is no truth in any rumour that people from KZN were not given a fair opportunity to buy tickets.”
The 2026/27 MTN8 showpiece at the 49,000-capacity Moses Mabhida Stadium will feature defending champions Orlando Pirates against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday night.
High demand caused brief technical glitches when tickets went on sale on Monday before the allocation completely sold out within hours.
Van Niekerk acknowledged the frustration of fans who missed out while urging ticketless supporters not to travel to the venue precinct on matchday.
“I want to say to the fans, we feel your pain,” said van Niekerk.
“We understand that there are fans who are disappointed because they did not get tickets. We are not unsympathetic, but unfortunately, the stadium has limited capacity.
“The interest in this event was massive. On Friday morning, we had over 20,000 people trying to buy tickets in the first 10 minutes.
“20,000 people trying to buy tickets is more than the total number of tickets that are available, because every person doesn’t buy one ticket; we allow people to buy four tickets.
“So, essentially, the stadium has a 49,000 capacity; we can help the first 12,000 or 13,000 people who want to buy tickets. After that, unfortunately, the tickets were sold out.
“We feel that pain; we have put some plans in place to make it faster the next time around. We are not unsympathetic.
“But please, if you have tickets for the game, please have them ready and come early. If you don’t have tickets for the game, go to one of the public viewing areas.
“Please don’t come to the game if you don’t have tickets. Unfortunately, there is a limited capacity.”
