eThekwini Municipality City Manager Musa Mbhele has rejected allegations that the municipality pays bribes to secure major football finals at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The Durban landmark is preparing to host another major domestic football occasion when Orlando Pirates take on Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final on 10 October.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 18:00.
Moses Mabhida Set for Another MTN8 Final
The upcoming encounter will mark the 11th MTN8 final staged at Moses Mabhida Stadium since MTN became the competition’s sponsor.
The continued selection of Durban as the venue has raised questions about whether the city offers financial incentives to secure high-profile matches.
Mbhele, however, dismissed such suggestions and argued that Durban’s popularity and infrastructure make it an attractive destination for major sporting events.
Mbhele Says Durban Does Not Need to Pay for Events
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Mbhele said the municipality was not so concerned about boosting tourism that it would resort to unethical practices.
He maintained that Durban’s appeal was strong enough to attract major events without the need for payments or improper arrangements.
Mbhele argued that the city already has many of the qualities required to make large sporting occasions successful, including its tourism infrastructure and established hospitality industry.
‘People Love Durban,’ City Manager Says
Mbhele said Durban’s reputation as a tourist destination contributes significantly to the atmosphere surrounding major sporting events.
He pointed to the city’s beaches, accommodation facilities and status as one of South Africa’s largest metropolitan areas as reasons why event organisers and sponsors would want to bring major fixtures to the city.
According to the city manager, the demand generated by events such as the Pirates-Sundowns final also demonstrates the city’s ability to attract visitors.
MTN Benefits From Durban’s Large Audience
Mbhele also suggested that MTN, as the competition’s sponsor, understands the commercial value of staging its events in Durban.
He said the city’s size and ability to draw large crowds provide sponsors with an environment where their brands can benefit from significant exposure.
Rather than paying to host the final, Mbhele argued that Durban offers a combination of tourism, entertainment and sporting appeal that naturally makes it a preferred destination.
Pirates and Sundowns Set for Durban Showdown
The latest final will see two of South Africa’s biggest clubs meet at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will compete for the MTN8 trophy on 10 October, with the 18:00 kick-off expected to draw a large crowd to the Durban venue.
The fixture will add another high-profile chapter to Moses Mabhida Stadium’s history of hosting major football matches.
Municipality Stands by Venue’s Appeal
Mbhele’s comments represent a firm rejection of suggestions that eThekwini relies on questionable incentives to attract football finals.
The city manager instead believes Durban’s established reputation, tourism infrastructure and ability to create a vibrant matchday atmosphere are sufficient reasons for major competitions and sponsors to return.
With another MTN8 final approaching, eThekwini is positioning the event as further evidence of Durban’s status as one of South Africa’s leading destinations for major sporting occasions.
