By Levy Masiteng
eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba says the city is ready to host the 2026 MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 18:00, with Xaba welcoming the Premier Soccer League’s (PSL) decision to bring the final to Durban.
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Speaking at a media briefing at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday, Xaba said the city was prepared to accommodate thousands of football supporters expected to travel from across the country.
“The City is ready to host the 2026 MTN8 Final at Moses Mabhida Stadium. We are working closely with the PSL, stadium management, law enforcement, emergency services and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place for match day,” Xaba said.
He said the stadium’s experience in hosting major football fixtures had reinforced eThekwini’s position as a destination for major sporting events.
Xaba said the final would also create economic opportunities for local businesses, traders, small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), hospitality establishments, transport operators and creative practitioners.
“Moses Mabhida Stadium is more than a stadium. It is a landmark that has become part of the City’s identity and a venue that continues to attract major sporting events to eThekwini. We look forward to an exciting final on 10 October and to welcoming football supporters to our City,” he said.
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The final will see defending champions Pirates take on Sundowns, with the Buccaneers aiming to extend their dominance after winning the competition for four consecutive seasons.
Sundowns will be seeking to lift the trophy for the first time since 2021.
Both teams head into the final after competitive campaigns. Pirates recorded a 2-0 victory over Durban City on 17 September in the Betway Premiership, maintaining their unbeaten start to the league season.
Sundowns, meanwhile, beat Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli 2-1 in the African-Asian-Pacific championship final on 19 September, with Nuno Santos scoring both goals.
The PSL confirmed Moses Mabhida Stadium as the venue on Monday. General admission tickets are priced at R150 and are scheduled to go on sale online through Open Tickets on Friday at 10:00.
According to the PSL, supporters will be limited to four tickets each, while hospitality packages will also be available.
Xaba urged supporters travelling to Durban to plan their journeys in advance, use public transport where possible and follow instructions from officials to ensure a safe match-day experience.
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The municipality said it would continue coordinating with the PSL, stadium management, law enforcement, emergency services and other stakeholders to ensure operational readiness and manage the anticipated influx of visitors.
The final is expected to generate increased activity in Durban as the municipality seeks to support local businesses and promote the city’s tourism sector.
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