The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has teamed up with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) to ensure a smooth travel experience for fans attending the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (18:00).

Train services will be available from various locations, including Umlazi, Winkelspruit, KwaMashu, Cato Ridge, Pinetown, and Crossmore, connecting fans directly to the stadium. A shuttle service will operate between Durban Station and Moses Mabhida Station every 15 minutes. Spectators can also park their vehicles at Umlazi Station, KwaMnyandu Mall, and Durban Station and take the train to the game.

MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, expressed his appreciation for PRASA’s collaboration in facilitating the smooth movement of soccer fans. He emphasized the significance of the MTN8 final as a national gathering and the importance of ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

“We wish to express our appreciation to the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) for working with the department to ensure the ease of the movement of soccer fans to Moses Mabhida Stadium for the MTN 8 Final. As we indicated last week, our view is that this is not a “simple soccer final”,” said Duma.   

“It is the most enduring national gathering of the people of this country with a rich history that dates back to 1972. We want our roads to be safe for soccer fans, the media, sponsors, and other road users scheduled to visit the province.”

Duma highlighted the department’s efforts to partner with the PSL and ensure a successful final. Dedicated teams from the Road Traffic Inspectorate have been assigned to manage traffic flow along major routes, while investments in transport infrastructure aim to benefit the entire province.

“In our engagement with PSL Acting CEO Manto Madlala and chair Dr Irvin Khoza, we discussed partnerships to ensure a successful final,” he said.

“Accordingly, we have assigned our dedicated and highly efficient teams from the Road Traffic Inspectorate to ensure the free flow of traffic along major routes such as N2, N3, and other areas.  Importantly, as the department, we have decided to ensure that investments made in transport services and infrastructure benefit the rest of the province and the country as a whole. In particular, the partnership with the National Department of Transport provides for major investments across all transport systems – roads, rail, maritime, and aviation.  

“KZN being a destination of national and international events, we commit to ensuring a safe, effective, efficient, and affordable transport system.  

“More than R4 billion is being spent on projects that will not only cater to the influx of international visitors but will also serve to promote local economic growth.  

“The construction and upgrading of rural roads and bridges form a pivotal part of our infrastructure development. The youth are based in rural areas and the townships need recreational facilities and designated football areas.  

“Therefore, all road construction and maintenance initiatives are packaged in a manner in which we deliver services to communities and increase their wealth and quality of life.” 

PRASA has previously partnered with the South African Rugby Union (SARU) for other major sporting events, such as the Springboks’ Rugby Championship match against New Zealand at Emirates Airline Park Stadium. The partnership by PRASA demonstrates a commitment to providing accessible and efficient transportation options for fans.