The eThekwini Municipality has dismissed allegations of bribery in securing the right to host the 2026 MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium. The stadium was awarded the hosting rights for the final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns on October 10. This will be the 10th time Moses Mabhida Stadium has hosted the Wafa Wafa final since becoming a domestic football venue after the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Durban City manager Musa Mbhele addressed the media at the stadium, along with eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba and Executive Director of Community Services Vusi Mazibuko. They responded to questions about how Durban repeatedly secures major football events. Mbhele rejected suggestions that the municipality pays to secure finals, attributing the decisions to Durban's appeal as a tourism destination and the electric atmosphere at the stadium.
Mbhele emphasized that the municipality does not resort to unethical actions like bribery to boost tourism. He stated that Durban is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the country, and the municipality is strengthening its brand under Mayor Xaba's leadership. Hosting major events like the MTN8 final adds momentum and encourages people to visit Durban.
According to Mbhele, the municipality does not pay to host major football matches. Instead, Durban offers commercial value to organizers due to its electric atmosphere and large metro capacity for hotel accommodation and beaches. He argued that MTN and other organizers choose Durban because they know their brand will thrive when marketing in the city.
The MTN8 final between Pirates and Sundowns will bring two of South Africa's biggest clubs to Durban. Moses Mabhida Stadium is preparing to host its 10th final of the competition. The fixture is a repeat of the 2023/24 MTN8 final, when Pirates beat Sundowns on penalties.
While Moses Mabhida has hosted more MTN8 finals than any other venue during this period, it did not stage a cup final last season. The stadium's hosting of major events is attributed to its popularity and the city's appeal.
Tickets for the 2026 MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will go on sale online at 10:00 on Friday, 2 October, priced at R150 each. The event is expected to draw a large crowd, further solidifying Durban's reputation as a premier destination for major football events.
Key points
- eThekwini Municipality denies bribery allegations over hosting MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
- Durban's appeal as a tourism destination and electric atmosphere at Moses Mabhida Stadium attributed to its repeated selection as host.
- Tickets for the 2026 MTN8 final go on sale on October 2, priced at R150 each.
