The City of Durban is undertaking a significant clean-up operation at Albert Park, a notorious area within the city, in preparation for its role as one of the two fan parks where soccer enthusiasts can gather to watch the highly anticipated Nedbank Cup Final.

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are set to clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday [15:30], with tickets for this highly sought-after game selling out within a mere 90 minutes after going on sale on Monday.

Anticipating that some fans without tickets may attempt to reach the stadium, the Durban police department has indicated that the areas immediately surrounding the venue will be designated a red zone, accessible only to those holding valid tickets.

This heightened security measure underscores the importance of the city’s efforts to prepare Albert Park. The park has unfortunately become a haven for individuals struggling with Nyaope addiction, both men and women, resulting in a severely unsanitary environment over several years.

While the city previously attempted to clean up Albert Park during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 as a measure to curb the virus’s spread, which involved relocating individuals using Nyaope, they have since returned.

Consequently, the area has become one of the most perilous to navigate, whether driving through during the day or at night, due to the large numbers of individuals affected by Nyaope roaming the vicinity.

“The public viewing areas will be at Albert Park and on the Durban beachfront,” announced the Ethekwini municipality.

“To prepare Albert Park, City leadership today, 9 May, led a joint clean-up operation to ensure the park is ready for the hundreds of football supporters. The clean-up was supported by stakeholders and the community. New flower beds were planted, electricity repairs were conducted, and the amphitheatre was repainted as part of the clean-up efforts.”

Councillor Zama Sokhabase, Chairperson of the Community Services Committee, assured that the park is now clean, safe, and prepared to welcome supporters.

Councillor Sokhabase also mentioned that entertainment will be provided at both viewing sites before the match kicks off.

“Both fan parks will be safe and offer a lively, energetic atmosphere akin to that at Moses Mabhida Stadium. I encourage fans who were unable to secure tickets to visit the fan parks to enjoy the game,” she stated.

Durban will be hosting the Soweto Derby domestic cup final for the third time since 2006.

The last time these two sides met in the Nedbank Cup final in Durban was under the previous sponsorship of the competition, the Absa Cup, at Kings Park Stadium, located across from Moses Mabhida Stadium. In that encounter, Chiefs emerged victorious with a 5-4 win on penalties.

They also defeated Pirates 1-0 in the MTN8 final in 2014 at the same Moses Mabhida Stadium, marking the last time these two Soweto giants clashed in any cup final.