Msunduzi Municipality Launches Investigation After Nedbank Cup Fan Park Cancellation
The Msunduzi Municipality in Pietermaritzburg has announced an internal investigation following the cancellation of the planned fan park for the Nedbank Cup final between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates on Saturday.
Thousands of soccer enthusiasts gathered at Carbineers Garden in Pietermaritzburg, hoping to watch the highly anticipated match between the two prominent teams on a large screen, only to be turned away.
Consequently, fans were unable to watch the game at the fan park where Kaizer Chiefs secured a 2-1 victory, ending a drought of over ten years since their last domestic cup win, which coincidentally occurred at the same venue against the same opponent, Orlando Pirates, in the MTN8.
In a statement, the Msunduzi Municipality conveyed its apologies: “Msunduzi Municipality would like to offer its sincere and heartfelt apologies to all residents, visitors, and football lovers for the unexpected cancellation of the public viewing area that was planned for the highly anticipated Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, 10 May 2025.
“The fan park was organised with the intention of broadening access to this iconic sporting event for everyone, particularly the youth groups and those who could not make it to the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
“It was to be a moment of shared pride, unity, and celebration for the people of Pietermaritzburg.
“Regrettably, the event did not proceed as planned, and many arrived at the park unaware of the cancellation, leading to understandable frustration and disappointment.
“We are deeply sorry for the confusion and the inconvenience caused, especially to those who made the effort to attend with their families and friends.
“The Municipality acknowledges the serious harm this incident has caused — not only to public trust, but also to the reputation of the Municipality and the Honourable Mayor, who has consistently championed initiatives that promote sport, youth development, and community cohesion.
“This unfortunate event does not reflect the Mayor’s values nor his longstanding record of delivering inclusive, people-centred programmes. His unwavering commitment to using sport as a tool to inspire, unite, and uplift our communities remains resolute.
“As the Municipality, we fully accept responsibility for this incident. It is clear that this outcome is unacceptable, and we are treating it with the seriousness it deserves. An internal investigation has been initiated to determine what led to the failure of this initiative, and corrective action will be taken.
“We will leave no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of this matter. To everyone who was affected, we extend our deepest and most sincere apologies. We understand the expectations placed on us, and we commit that such a situation will never happen again.
“We are taking immediate steps to improve our planning, communication, and coordination for future events.
“Msunduzi remains committed to building a vibrant, inclusive city where all residents can enjoy major cultural and sporting experiences.
“We thank the public for their patience and understanding, and we ask for your continued support as we work to rebuild your trust.”
