eThekwini Mayor Hails MTN8 Final Success At Moses Mabhida Stadium
eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba has congratulated Mamelodi Sundowns on winning the MTN8 title at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, emphasizing that the sold-out event “underscores Durban’s unmatched capability to deliver premier sports entertainment.”
The fixture marked only the second match played at the venue this season amid ongoing pitch redevelopment. The upgrades previously forced Richards Bay, Kaizer Chiefs, Golden Arrows, and AmaZulu to relocate several home fixtures away from the stadium.
Despite criticism from rival regions over Moses Mabhida Stadium repeatedly securing cup finals, city officials maintain that eThekwini does not pay hosting fees to attract these matches.
Saturday’s clash was the 11th MTN8 final staged at the venue—more than any other stadium since its post-2010 FIFA World Cup opening.
The victory secured Sundowns’ third top-eight crown in eThekwini, adding to their 2007 triumph over Orlando Pirates and 2021 victory against Cape Town City.
Miguel Cardoso’s side sealed the win through strikes from Teboho Mokoena and an Iqraam Rayners penalty, ending Pirates’ four-year reign in the competition.
“We extend our congratulations to Mamelodi Sundowns on their victory, as well as to Orlando Pirates for contributing to a thrilling, world-class spectacle,” Mayor Xaba stated.
“Hosting an event of this magnitude before a full-capacity stadium underscores Durban’s unmatched capability to deliver premier sports entertainment.”
“Beyond the action on the pitch, major fixtures like the MTN8 Final serve as critical economic drivers, generating substantial revenue for our hospitality, transport, and local business sectors while positioning eThekwini as a vibrant global city.”
The MTN8 showpiece coincided with another major sporting event in the city: the first Test match between the Proteas and Australia at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium (9–13 October 2026).
Together, the events provided a significant multi-million Rand boost to the local economy across tourism, retail, and accommodation sectors.
eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to world-class event infrastructure.
“The seamless delivery of multiple large-scale sporting events concurrently demonstrates the resilience and efficiency of eThekwini’s municipal infrastructure,” Mbhele said. “We remain firmly committed to investing in asset maintenance and stadium logistics to ensure Durban retains its edge as Africa’s premier sport destination.”
Meanwhile, eThekwini Executive Director of Community Services Vusi Mazibuko confirmed the city’s intent to bid for upcoming domestic cup finals, targeting the Carling Knockout and Nedbank Cup later this season.
