Orlando Pirates has registered Moses Mabhida Stadium as one of their alternative home grounds for this season, according to KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Sport, Mntomuhle Khawula.

Khawula, who was elected to the position five months ago, says he plans to hold further discussions with Pirates chairman Dr Irvin Khoza, as the club has not utilized the venue as an alternative, unlike Kaizer Chiefs. Chiefs has regularly used Mabhida Stadium as an alternative venue for several seasons and will do so again for two or three games this season in the Betway Premiership.

This is not surprising to see the Soweto Giants having registered the venue as their alternative. Pirates have enjoyed significant success at Moses Mabhida Stadium since it opened for domestic use after the 2010 FIFA World Cup. They have played 10 cup finals at the Durban venue, winning five MTN8 trophies (including four in the last five seasons), as well as the Carling Knockout and Nedbank Cup.

Pirates, who currently top the Betway Premiership with a 100 perfect record after seven matches, last lifted a league trophy at the Durban venue in the 2011/12 season, defeating Golden Arrows in the final match.

“I can say that, as the MEC, I’ve visited all the professional KZN teams,” Khawula told Sportswire. “I’ve also met with Orlando Pirates management, including Dr Irvin Khoza, and Kaizer Chiefs management, meeting Bobby Motaung as Kaizer Motaung was abroad. However, I haven’t met with Mamelodi Sundowns management.

“It’s encouraging to see that they’re using KwaZulu-Natal for their games. In fact, Orlando Pirates has registered Moses Mabhida as their alternative home ground, but they haven’t used it. Kaizer Chiefs has registered it and is using it. I’ll be discussing this further with Dr Khoza, as he showed me the document confirming Moses Mabhida Stadium as Pirates’ home ground.”

Sportswire has been informed that the city of eThekwini is eager to host the Soweto Derby in February next year at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Currently, it is scheduled for FNB Stadium, which will be Pirates home game on 1 February 2025. FNB Stadium is Pirates’ second alternative home venue but it is only used for the Soweto Derby games, the most-loved game in South Africa.

When asked about the possibility of the February derby being moved to Moses Mabhida Stadium, Khawula was hesitant to comment. “I don’t want to go there, but Moses Mabhida Stadium is an alternative home ground for both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.”

Moses Mabhida Stadium has previously hosted four Soweto Derby matches, with Chiefs winning three and losing one.