The city of Durban is intensifying preparations for the MTN8 final, which will take place on Saturday at Moses Mabhida Stadium. The match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns is expected to attract over 50,000 fans and visitors.
As part of logistical measures to support fans arriving in Durban, additional train services and a free viewing area on the beach have been planned.
MTN8 Final
The eThekwini Municipality confirmed its full readiness to host this spectacle. Municipal authorities are closely coordinating their efforts with the Premier Soccer League (PSL), stadium administration, law enforcement, and emergency services to ensure smooth operations on match day.
To reduce traffic congestion in the event area, the South African Passenger Rail Agency (PRASA) announced increased services on five main railway corridors: uMlazi, KwaMashu, Pinetown, Crossmoor, and South Coast. Return tickets on these routes cost 20 rand.
Additionally, a special shuttle will operate, connecting Durban station and Moses Mabhida Stadium every 30 minutes from 13:00 to 18:00. Return rail services are scheduled from 20:00 to 22:00, and the last shuttle to Durban station runs until 22:30.
Limited parking and shuttle travel options have also been created at Durban station, uMlazi station, and the KwaMnyandu shopping center, costing 50 rand per vehicle.
For fans who do not have match tickets, the municipality has organized a free public fan park at Bay of Plenty Beach on the Durban promenade. This venue can accommodate up to 5,000 spectators, and gates will open at 12:00 with live entertainment before the game. The event will officially conclude at 22:00.
MTN8 Final
Meanwhile, Open Tickets CEO, Marnus van Niekerk, refuted claims that local KwaZulu-Natal fans were disadvantaged during the ticket sales process. Speaking at the PSL press briefing at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Van Niekerk stated that nearly 60% of the 49,000 available tickets were purchased by KwaZulu-Natal residents, with Gauteng ranking second in purchases.
Van Niekerk said: 'There is a narrative that people from KZN did not receive a fair opportunity to buy tickets; we can absolutely say that this is untrue.' He added that 'there was a queue system that was fair to everyone; everyone had equal opportunities, and we have statistical data to confirm this.'
He also noted that the ticketing servers processed over 20,000 simultaneous requests within the first 10 minutes after sales opened on October 2nd. The final is completely sold out, creating a tense confrontation as Pirates aim to secure their fifth consecutive title against Sundowns, who are looking to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2021.