eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba has clarified that the municipality does not pay to host major Premier Soccer League (PSL) cup finals at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. This comes after the PSL announced the iconic venue will host the MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns on October 10 at 6pm. The stadium has been chosen for the blockbuster event due to KwaZulu-Natal's popularity as a tourist destination.
According to Mayor Xaba, the municipality's popularity and tourism endowments, such as beaches, make it an attractive location for events. "People love Durban because of the electric atmosphere they find here," Xaba said. He added that the city will be ready to host the MTN8 final, including law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of the match. The city's accommodation establishments and tourism infrastructure also contribute to its appeal.
The Moses Mabhida Stadium has hosted eight of the last 10 MTN8 finals, and Mayor Xaba attributes this to the city's reputation as a tourism attraction of choice. He stated that the municipality does not need to pay to host the event, except for spending money on maintaining its beaches and supporting tourist establishments. The MTN8 final will serve as a launch pad for the city's festive season.
eThekwini executive director of community services Vusi Mazibuko explained that Moses Mabhida Stadium was not available for matches in the 2026-27 domestic season to ensure the pitch would be ready. The stadium management had a plan to host finals, which included preparing the pitch for the event. Mazibuko confirmed that the venue is now ready for the MTN8 final on October 10.
The stadium's unavailability for some matches led to King’s Park hosting some games that would have ordinarily been held at Moses Mabhida. Mazibuko stated that the stadium management made strategic decisions to prepare for the announcement of the final, including shifting some matches to ensure the pitch was ready. A Golden Arrows match was also postponed in anticipation of the MTN8 final.
Mayor Xaba expressed confidence in the city's ability to host the event, citing its reputation as a premier tourist destination. He emphasized that the municipality's role is to provide a conducive environment for events, rather than paying for them. The city's ubuntu and warm hospitality also contribute to its appeal to event organizers.
The MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns is set to take place on October 10 at 6pm at Moses Mabhida Stadium. The event is expected to draw a large crowd, and the city has assured that it is ready to host the match. The city's readiness and the stadium's preparation will be crucial in ensuring a successful event.
Key points
- The eThekwini municipality does not pay to host major Premier Soccer League cup finals at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
- KwaZulu-Natal's popularity as a tourist destination contributes to the Moses Mabhida Stadium hosting eight of the last 10 MTN8 finals.
- The city is confident in its ability to host the MTN8 final, citing its reputation as a premier tourist destination and its readiness to ensure a successful event.
