Durban expects more than 50,000 for 2026 MTN8 final as hosting costs remain undisclosed

More than 50,000 supporters and visitors are expected in Durban for the 2026 MTN8 final, although eThekwini Municipality has not revealed how much it will spend on staging the match.

City officials have denied allegations that the municipality paid to secure the final at Moses Mabhida Stadium. They have instead highlighted the potential tourism and economic benefits of hosting one of South Africa’s major sporting events.

The match will be contested by Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 10 October. Tickets will go on sale online at 10:00 on Friday, 2 October, priced at R150 each.

Orlando Pirates reached the final after beating Sekhukhune United 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, completing a 3-0 aggregate victory. Moses Mabhida Stadium had previously been understood to be in line to host the match, although the PSL had not officially confirmed the venue at that stage.

The wider MTN8 coverage also includes the previous final between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC, which was played at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday night. Pirates claimed a record-extending fourth successive MTN8 title after scoring three unanswered goals in extra time.

Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker said his side had been “outclassed” in the final, but hoped the team would take valuable lessons from the defeat. Midfielder Devin Titus said preparation and resilience would be important as Stellenbosch sought redemption after last season’s disappointment and targeted a second major trophy in successive campaigns.

The final featured several individual contests, including Deon Hotto against Titus, Miguel Tavares de Jong against Andre de Jesus Nduli, and Patrick Phili against Relebohile Mofokeng. The flanks, midfield and creativity were identified as key areas.

Five young players – Mofokeng, Bayanda Mbokazi, Phili, Antonio Seema and Mdaka – were also expected to make an impact on the big stage. Stellenbosch had strengthened their squad by signing Azerbaijan defender Turan Manafov before the final.

Barker dismissed the suggestion that Pirates’ seven players returning from international duty would give Stellenbosch an advantage. Although his team had enjoyed a full preparation period, he said the Buccaneers’ depth and quality made them formidable opponents.

Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi praised the squad and coach Abdeslam Ouaddou after the triumph. Ouaddou dedicated the victory to club members affected by a recent car accident and said the coaching staff still had more work to do despite securing the trophy.

Attacker Tshepang Moremi celebrated winning his first professional silverware and said he did not believe it marked the beginning of the journey’s end. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine also spoke of realising his ambitions while recognising that he could not relax after overcoming adversity to reach the top.

Stellenbosch’s final had been preceded by advice on managing anxiety through nutrition and hydration, while the weekend’s sporting schedule also included the All Blacks against the Springboks in a crucial Rugby Championship match.