PSL urged to explain why Moses Mabhida Stadium keeps hosting MTN8 finals

The PSL has been asked to explain why Moses Mabhida Stadium has again been selected to host the MTN8 final, with concerns that the Durban venue is being favoured over other suitable stadiums.

Orlando Pirates will face Mamelodi Sundowns in the final, prompting suggestions that the match should instead have been staged at a Gauteng venue such as FNB Stadium. That would have made it easier for supporters of both clubs to attend at a larger and more familiar ground.

However, FNB Stadium may not have provided the neutrality expected of a cup final. Orlando Pirates use the venue for selected home league matches, including the Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs and their most recent league fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns earlier this year.

The stadium is also only a few kilometres from Pirates’ traditional base in Orlando. Mamelodi Sundowns could therefore have argued that they were effectively being asked to play an away match, rather than a final at a neutral venue.

The PSL’s choice of Moses Mabhida Stadium can be understood, but the league should be more open about how it reaches decisions on cup-final venues.

The two finalists were confirmed more than a month ago, yet the PSL only announced this week that the final would be played in Durban. Greater transparency would help the football public understand the process behind the selection.

The lack of information has encouraged speculation, particularly after eThekwini authorities said this week that they had not needed to pay for Moses Mabhida Stadium to receive the PSL’s approval.

The PSL has not disclosed the criteria used to assess or select the venue.

There are also questions over whether final venues should be announced before the finalists are known. That approach could distribute major matches more fairly around the country, rather than allowing one stadium to appear to benefit repeatedly while supporters who cannot afford to travel are disadvantaged.

Tickets are expected to sell out within hours when they go on sale today (FRI), but that does not settle the issue. A Pirates-Mamelodi Sundowns final would be likely to fill any suitable stadium, especially with the two clubs occupying No 1 and 2 on the log.

Moses Mabhida Stadium has staged eight of the past 10 MTN8 finals, accounting for 80% of those matches. Those who believe that record makes the venue’s continued selection unfair therefore have a reasonable argument.

There are about 10 venues capable of hosting the final, and the PSL can address the concerns by explaining why Moses Mabhida Stadium is repeatedly preferred over them.