Durban rejects claims of bribes to host MTN8 final

EThekwini Municipality city manager Musa Mbhele has rejected claims that Durban pays bribes to secure PSL cup finals.

Moses Mabhida Stadium has been selected to host the upcoming MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

The match will take place on 10 October, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00. It will be the 10th MTN8 final hosted by the Durban stadium in the past 15 years.

The repeated choice of Durban, particularly for the MTN8 final, has prompted questions about whether the city uses financial incentives to secure the fixture.

Mbhele said the municipality was not so desperate to attract tourism that it would resort to what he described as “unethical” practices.

“I may sound arrogant but it’s the only way I can put it, we’re not so desperate to boost tourism to such an extent that we can do unethical things like that,” he said.

He argued that MTN understands the marketing benefits of staging its final in Durban, while the city’s popularity with football supporters also makes it an attractive venue.

“We do not pay to host these matches. People love Durban because of the electric atmosphere here. We are the destination of choice,” Mbhele said.

He added that Durban’s status as a major tourist destination, along with its accommodation, beaches and position as one of South Africa’s largest metros, helped explain why it was repeatedly selected.

“MTN themselves know that their brand will do well to market their brand well because we’re one of the largest metros. Accommodation establishments are there and beaches and other things,” he said.