Ethekwini Municipality Closes Moses Mabhida Stadium
The Moses Mabhida Stadium pitch will remain out of commission throughout April as the eThekwini Municipality undergoes a long-overdue rehabilitation of the playing surface.
The venue, which has hosted more domestic cup finals than any other since the 2010 FIFA World Cup, has seen its playing surface deteriorate over time, drawing criticism from fans on social media whenever major matches are staged there.
When Bafana Bafana faced Panama in an international friendly on 27 March, the pitch was far from pristine, prompting widespread concern and questions from supporters about its condition.
AmaZulu, the stadium’s primary tenants, moved their league match against Sekhukhune United to Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu on Monday. Notably, the surface in KwaMashu appeared to be in far better condition than that of Moses Mabhida, surprising many observers.
Despite the temporary closure of the pitch, the eThekwini Municipality confirmed that the stadium will remain operational for tours, retail outlets, and other visitor facilities.
“The city wishes to inform residents, stakeholders, and sporting bodies that the Moses Mabhida Stadium pitch is currently undergoing essential rehabilitation until 30 April 2026,” the municipality said in a statement.
“During this period, the pitch will be temporarily closed to allow for critical maintenance and recovery work.
“This rehabilitation programme is necessary to restore the playing surface to optimal condition and to ensure it meets required standards ahead of scheduled fixtures taking place in May.
“The work forms part of the City’s ongoing commitment to maintaining Moses Mabhida Stadium as a premier, world-class sporting and events facility.
“All other stadium operations will continue as normal during the rehabilitation period. Stadium tours, retail outlets, and other visitor facilities will remain fully operational.”
The stadium is also undergoing extensive upgrades in other areas. In October 2024, the eThekwini Municipality approved R236 million for broader rehabilitation efforts aimed at transforming the venue into a leading tourist destination.
In recent years, the stadium has been affected by deteriorating infrastructure, prompting plans for a comprehensive refurbishment.
Upgrades currently underway include the installation of a new SkyCar, a Big Swing, a zip line, and an enhanced viewing platform. The SkyCar—a glass-enclosed lift that travels along the stadium’s iconic arch—is expected to be operational by summer 2025.
Additional improvements include a larger viewing platform with a cantilevered glass floor, an upgraded SkyCar with improved accessibility, enhancements to the Big Swing, a zip line terminating at People’s Park, a compression ring walk with a bungee jump option, and the reinstatement of arch lighting with colour-themed displays.
Notably, Moses Mabhida Stadium has not hosted any PSL cup finals this season. This comes after it staged the MTN8 final for four consecutive years, before this season’s edition was moved to Mbombela Stadium.
However, the venue could still be considered to host the Nedbank Cup final between Durban City and TS Galaxy next month.
