Royal Bafokeng Stadium ruled out of hosting MTN8 final

Royal Bafokeng Stadium will not host the MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, with the venue deemed unavailable after its recent refurbishment.

The final venue is yet to be announced, but at least three stadiums are already out of contention for the match on 10 October.

The Brazilians will face Orlando Pirates in a repeat of the 2023 MTN8 final, when Sundowns were beaten by the Soweto club in a penalty shootout. Mamelodi Sundowns will therefore have an opportunity to settle that result when the sides meet again.

Royal Bafokeng Stadium had been viewed as a potential venue after a major programme of remedial work was completed shortly before the beginning of the 2026/27 season. However, Royal Bafokeng Sport acting managing director Emile Smith confirmed that the stadium had not been considered for this year’s showpiece.

“We have not considered that, but we are considering other opportunities,” confirmed Royal Bafokeng Sport Acting Managing Director Emile Smith, speaking exclusively toKickOff.

Smith said the organisation remained interested in bidding for major domestic fixtures in the future, including MTN8 and Nedbank Cup matches.

“We have not considered MTN8, but part of our strategy is to bid for games like that, as well for (cups like) Nedbank.

“It has been a long time coming, we’re happy that the remedial work is finally concluded and we have football back in the (Royal Bafokeng) nation. We just hope more people will come and watch,” he added.

The stadium has attracted renewed attention since the refurbishment was completed. Kaizer Chiefs used the venue to stage the pre-season Toyota Cup, while Marumo Gallants currently play their home matches there after relocating to North West.

Despite its reputation for world-class facilities, Royal Bafokeng Stadium may have been ruled out because the final comes too soon after the renovation work.

Other venues are also unavailable because they would not provide a neutral setting. Orlando Stadium, the home ground of Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns’ familiar venues, Loftus Versfeld Stadium and Lucas Moripe Stadium, are among those excluded from consideration.

Mamelodi Sundowns endured a difficult route to the final. They secured their place only through the away-goal rule after beating Golden Arrows 3-2 in the second leg of their semi-final. The result left the aggregate score level at 3-3, but Sundowns advanced on away goals.

Orlando Pirates had a more comfortable passage through their semi-final. They defeated Sekhukhune United 3-0 in the second leg to complete a 4-0 aggregate victory.

The finalists are now waiting for the confirmation of the stadium that will stage the latest meeting in a growing rivalry between the two clubs.

Moses Mabhida Stadium has hosted the MTN8 final in seven of the past 10 editions of the competition, making it one of the most frequently used venues for the tournament’s concluding match.